PUTNAM/CLAY LINE — Indiana State Police are investigating a double fatality crash on Interstate 70 at the Clay/ Putnam County line and near the 29-mile marker, states a release today from Indiana State Police District 32 at Terre Haute.
According to witness statements and the preliminary investigation, at 8:22 a.m. today a 1994 white Pontiac Grand Prix with Ohio plates was traveling east bound on I-70 at a high rate of speed, the ISP release states. The driver apparently lost control, crossed the median and struck a west-bound semitrailer broadside. The passenger side of the car impacted the front of the westbound tractor-trailer. The force of the impact broke the passenger car into two sections and ejected both occupants. The occupants, believed to be males, were pronounced dead at the scene by Putnam County Deputy Coroner Brian Hopkins.
Due to the condition of the deceased, a positive identification could not be made at the scene. Autopsies were scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Terre Haute Regional Hospital by pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr.
The driver of the tractor-trailer unit was Michael E. Fedak, 46, of Indianapolis, the ISP release states. He was complaining of back pain, but refused treatment at the scene.
A commercial motor vehicle inspection revealed no abnormalities with the driver or tractor-trailer unit. He was released to his company and no citations were issued.
The crash is being investigated by ISP Trooper John Myers with assistance from troopers from the Terre Haute and Putnamville posts, ISP crash reconstructionists; Putnam and Clay County Sheriff’s offices; Putnam County Coroner’s office; Jackson Township, Reelsville and Cloverdale fire departments; and the Indiana Department of Transportation.
