One killed, Greencastle woman, three others injured in U.S. 231 crash near Spencer
SPENCER -- A two-vehicle crash on U.S. 231 near Spencer killed one driver and injured four others Wednesday evening, Indiana State Police at Putnamville reported.
Preliminary investigation revealed a southbound 2004 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Jamie L. Luthe, 28, of Spencer, appeared to have veered off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected and then began rolling over on the highway about 5 p.m.
As the Jeep was rolling over, a northbound 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by Allen R. Davidson, 59, of Sandborn, took evasive action, entering a roadside ditch in attempting to avoid the Luthe vehicle. However, his vehicle was struck by the Jeep, causing the Hyundai to roll onto its passenger's side.
Luthe, who was ejected from her vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple injuries.
Her two young sons, who were in the rear seat area of the Jeep, were extricated by bystanders prior to the vehicle catching fire. Both were airlifted from the scene.
Lucas Luthe, 6, was airlifted to Riley Children's Hospital with head and leg injuries. Ethan Luthe, 4, was also flown to Riley for head injuries.
"Proper installation and usage of the boy's car seats were directly responsible for saving their lives," investigating Trooper Randall Van Arsdale of the Bloomington Post noted.
Meanwhile, driver Davidson was transported to Putnam County Hospital for treatment of a head laceration and hand injury. His passenger, Karla Hinkle, 61, of Greencastle, was also transported to PCH with a reported chest injury and lacerations.
The reason Luthe's vehicle left the roadway initially remains unknown to investigators at this time. Toxicology test results are pending.
Assisting at the scene near Deer Run Driver at Spencer were personnel from the Owen County Sheriff's Office, Owen County Coroner's Office, Owen County EMS, Cloverdale Fire/Rescue, Air Evac air ambulance and IU Health air ambulance.