Five people were hurt, including three inmates, in a four-vehicle crash on U.S. 421 in LaPorte County Wednesday. The Sheriff’s Office says it happened just before noon near County Road 870 South.
Officers believe the driver of a 2006 Lexus that was heading southbound slowed down for a vehicle that was turning into a driveway. As she was speeding up after the vehicle turned, the Lexus was reportedly hit from behind by a 2016 Ram truck belonging to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office that was transporting three inmates. That truck was hit by a 2006 Mack dump truck belonging to Morris Motor Services, which was then hit from behind by another Morris Motor Services dump truck, according to police.
The driver of the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office truck, Thomas L. Welcher, 65, of Lafayette, along with two of the inmates, Zachary R. Robbins, 28, and Iram R. Simpson, 35, were all taken to a hospital with complaints of upper body pain. The third inmate, Donte L. Kidd, 54, was taken by medical helicopter to a regional hospital for treatment of an upper body injury. The driver of the second dump truck, Braxton J. Haney, 28, of Westville, was also taken to a hospital with upper body pain.
The Cass-Clinton and Westville Volunteer Fire Departments, Lutheran Air, LaPorte County EMS and John’s Garage assisted sheriff’s deputies at the scene.
