Woman airlifted after I-70 wreck

Friday, November 23, 2007

By LISA MEYER TRIGG

Editor

A Clay County woman sustained multiple injuries after she was struck by a pickup truck on Interstate 70 at the westbound 36-mile marker.

Dortha Gwinn, 46, Staunton, was airlifted to Methodist Hospital with head injuries and several broken bones from the 7 p.m. accident.

Indiana State Police at Putnamville report that Gwinn was standing next to a car trailer parking in the emergency lane of the highway when she was struck by a pickup truck driven by Matthew Vincent, 18, Ash Grove, Mo.

Trooper Adam Edwards reported Gwinn and her fiance were trying to retrieve a car that had broken down earlier, and they were loading the small passenger car onto the trailer when the accident occurred.

The impact launched Gwinn about 75 feet, and she landed on the pavement, reported Putnam County Sheriff's Sgt. Don Pettit, who also responded to the scene. The impact of the pickup truck hitting the carrier also caused the truck to roll, injuring Vincent.

He was taken to Putnam County Hospital for treatment of facial injuries.

The accident caused the westbound lanes to be closed for more than an hour.

Police stated Vincent may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing his truck to drift off the road.

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