Johnson County – An afternoon crash on I-65 in Johnson County caused major headaches for evening commuters. At approximately 4:15 p.m. a semi pulling an empty box trailer struck another semi, starting a chain reaction crash involving seven vehicles. As a result of this crash, I-65 NB at the 92 mile marker was closed for approximately three hours.
Preliminary investigation indicates 43 year old Jose Montalvo of Hialeah Florida, driving a Red 2000 Freightliner, came upon stopped traffic in the right lane. Montalvo rear ended another tractor trailer, setting off a chain reaction crash that collected six semi tractor-trailers and one van. One driver of another semi was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Jose Montalvo, who caused the crash, fled from the scene on foot before police arrived. He was located a short time later by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department. Montalvo was arrested and lodged in the Johnson County Jail on preliminary charges of driving with a suspended license, leaving the scene of crash and driving without insurance. He was also cited for following too closely and several Federal Motor Carrier Violations. A full inspection of the semi by Master Trooper Kelly Lazzell uncovered several violations.
Grahm’s Wrecker Service responded to the scene to assist with clean-up and to tow three of the semis. The Needham Volunteer Fire Department was also called to handle a small HAZMAT spill from the engine, transmission fluids and leaking fuel from the semis.
