Indianapolis, IN – Troopers from the Indiana State Police were called to a serious crash on I-465 westbound west of Allisonville Road just after 11:00 last night, September 30th. When emergency responders arrived they found a severely damaged semi-tractor trailer in the ditch along the right side of I-465. The semi had struck a large utility pole causing power lines to hang dangerously low to the ground. The driver of the semi was unconscious and unresponsive, despite life saving efforts by the Indianapolis Fire Department and EMS the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators are trying to determine what caused the semi to leave the roadway, there were no witnesses or other vehicles involved in the crash. State Police crash reconstructionists responded to the scene and will continue to examine evidence to determine the cause of the crash. Troopers will work with the Marion County Coroner’s Office to determine the cause of death. The driver was identified as 61 year old Douglas Pauly of Bay City Michigan.
Due to the low hanging powerlines and the extensive damage to the utility pole, the ramp from Allisonville Road to I-465 westbound remains closed at this time. Crews from Indianapolis Power and Light are on scene and attempting to fix the damaged pole. Crews from INDOT have assisted by closing the ramps with barricades.
