Federal Express Semi Accident in Lake County Causes Rush Hour Problems

A rolled over Federal Express semi caused early morning rush hour problems Thursday morning.

At approximately 5:35 am, Indiana State Police Trooper Brian Rubesha responded to a rolled over crash on I-65 at the 247 mile marker (this is the Crown Point exit). Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Volvo semi pulling two box trailers was north bound in the left lane when for unknown reasons veered left. The semi went off the roadway, down a steep ditch, hit an impact attenuator, then a concrete barrier wall, which caused the semi-tractor and first trailer to flip onto its driver side. The semi-tractor and first trailer came to rest on the inside (left) shoulder on the south bound side of I-65. The second trailer stayed upright in the ditch.

The semi-tractor was owned by Federal Express, the first trailer was loaded with general freight, and the second trailer was empty. The driver, Roy C. Brown, 37 of Justice, Illinois, was headed to Chicago from Louisville, Kentucky. There was no loss of cargo; although there was a diesel fuel leak due to the roll-over. Brown was taken to Saint Anthony’s Hospital in Crown Point for abrasions and complaint of pain. He was able to free himself from the semi before Trooper Rubesha arrived.

North bound and south bound left lanes were closed until approximately 7:30am; when north bound was reopened. One lane south bound remains closed. Lanes were closed for investigation, clean-up, and removal of the injured and vehicles.

Agencies assisting: Crown Point Fire and Ambulance, Indiana Department of Transportation, Hoosier Helpers, and Indiana Department of Environmental Management.