CLAY COUNTY, Ind. —
A bizarre accident on Interstate 70 Thursday night resulted in the death of a Brazil man.
Robert J. Reedy II, 53, was driving his tractor-trailer westbound near the 24 mile marker at approximately 8:30 p.m. when he came upon a large tree that had fallen onto the roadway. Reedy was unable to stop his rig in time and it struck the tree, then traveled off the west edge of the roadway into a watery ditch. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The truck was loaded with canned grocery items and owned by Dart Express Trucking of Minnesota.
Three other tractor-trailer combinations and a passenger car following behind the first semi were also involved in the crash, according to an Indiana State Police news release. Those vehicles sustained moderate to heavy damage, but the drivers were not injured.
The tree was approximately 60 to 70 feet in length and 3 to 4 feet in diameter.
I-70 westbound was closed for nearly four hours for tree removal and crash cleanup. The westbound passing lane was opened at 1:45 this morning to alleviate the previous backup; all lanes were re-opened several hours later.
The crash was investigated by ISP Troopers Michael Featherling and Don Curtis. Assisting were ISP Sgts. Jared Nicoson and Joe Watts; Indiana Conservation Officers; Clay County Sheriff’s Office; Clay County Coroner Joel Reinoehl; Clay County Search and Rescue; Jackson Township Fire/Rescue; Posey Township Fire/Rescue and TransCare Ambulance Service.
Local & Bistate
Related Photos
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Indiana State Police and Clay County law enforcement investigated a fatal crash Thursday night near the 24 mile marker on I-70 east of Brazil. (Indiana State Police photo)
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The tree blocking I-70 was 60 to 70 feet in length and three to four feet in diameter. (Indiana State Police photo)
Discussion
UPDATE: Brazil truck driver dies in I-70 crash
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