LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Tuesday Morning Crash on U.S. 20

LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office photo

One person was hurt and multiple vehicles were damaged in a crash on U.S. 20 Tuesday morning. LaPorte County Police say it happened around 5:20 CDT at Fail Road.

Investigators believe two passenger cars and a commercial vehicle were waiting at the stoplight in the westbound lanes of U.S. 20, when another westbound semi tractor hit the trailer of the other commercial vehicle. Police say that initial impact also led to damage to the two passenger cars.

The driver of the tractor, Melvin Smith Jr., 33, of Oak Park, Illinois, reportedly told deputies that he saw the stopped vehicles, but was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. Smith was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

Indiana State Police, LaPorte County EMS, LaPorte County HAZMAT, and the Kankakee Township Volunteer Fire Department assisted LaPorte County Sheriff’s Deputies at the scene.