Two vehicles ended up in a deep embankment off US 35 near CR 400 N. There were three crashes at this location with no injuries reported. (Click to enlarge)
Center Township Firefighter Anna Bitick diverts traffic on US 35 at Schultz Road while deputies investigate crashes in the area. (Click to enlarge)
Information and photos from LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office
On a snowy Monday morning, March 23, 2015, emergency personnel had their hands full with a number of area crashes, including one involving a school bus.
The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office reports that between 7 and 9 a.m., the Regional Dispatch Center received 12 calls reporting crashes occurring all over the county. Sheriff’s deputies reported that area roadways quickly became ice covered during the morning traffic rush.
Three separate crashes occurred near CR 400 N and US 35. Deputies, as well as members of the Center Township Fire Department, closed US 35 near the crash site and diverted traffic so the crashed vehicles could be removed. US 35 was closed for approximately one hour.
A South Central School bus was involved in a crash at about 8 a.m. Deputy Paul Adams reported that the bus, carrying 33 students, was traveling north on CR 600 W and was stopped waiting to turn into the driveway at South Central School when the bus was rear-ended by a passenger vehicle. No one was injured. The bus sustained very minor damage.
Sheriff John Boyd urges drivers to exercise caution. “Our deputies reported that as they investigated this morning’s rash of crashes, other motorists rarely slowed down which jeopardizes the safety of the emergency services workers. When coming upon a crash site and you see emergency vehicles, please exercise caution and reduce your speed.
“We were fortunate that in all of the crashes investigated by our deputies this morning, there were no injuries reported. Experience tells us that wearing seatbelts and allowing more time for travel will reduce the probability for injury.”