Putnam County—At approximately 8:00 Saturday evening, Indiana State Police and Putnam County emergency agencies responded to a multi-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 46 mile marker. Three occupants were sent to area hospitals.
Preliminary investigation indicates a tractor-trailer driven by Harpeet Singh, age 25 of Canada, began to slow for a dog in the roadway with people attempting to chase the animal. As Singh slowed, he was struck in the rear by another tractor-trailer driven by Saidul Islam, age 32 of Michigan. In between the two semis was a Hyundai Sonata driven by Anthony Bailey, age 55, of Avon, IN. Bailey saw in his mirror that the Islam tractor-trailer was not going to stop, so Bailey attempted to drive right onto the emergency shoulder. In doing so, Bailey was still struck by the Islam tractor-trailer and forced off the roadway, ultimately rolling over multiple times. Occupant extrications were done by Cloverdale Fire/Rescue with assistance from Putnam County Operation Life and Morgan EMS.
Early indications are the dog was a stray that had wondered onto the roadway.
Anthony Bailey and his passenger, 56-year-old Patricia Bailey, were both transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Anthony for minor injuries and Patricia for possible fractures.
Saidul Islam was airlifted to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis for fractures and facial lacerations. Islam may have been distracted by interior panel warning indicator lights of possible mechanical issues.
Eastbound traffic was diverted onto US 231 with both lanes reopened at approximately 00:40a.m.
The crash was investigated by Trooper David Cox Jr. Assisting were ISP Sergeant Cory Robinson and Trooper Austin Fowler, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Operation Life, Cloverdale Fire/Rescue, Morgan County EMS, Stat Flight Air Medical, INDOT, and Curtis Wrecker Service.
