Menu
I-70 accident sends four Missourians to hospital
CLOVERDALE -- As an Indiana State Police trooper worked an accident scene around noon on Sunday, he witnessed another incident occur while watching through his rearview mirror about four miles west of Cloverdale on icy Interstate 70.
Trooper Michael Wood was covering an accident scene in the westbound lanes of the interstate, near the 37-mile marker, when he spotted a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee leaving the roadway and striking an embankment.
The SUV rolled over at least three times before coming to rest on its wheels.
Trooper Wood radioed the information to ISP Region III dispatch, then ran to the vehicle to check the well-being of the passengers and perform initial first-aid treatment.
Preliminary investigation revealed the SUV was westbound on I-70 when the driver lost control on an icy portion of the pavement, left the roadway on the north side, and rolled over at least three times.
The driver, Thomas Rice, 70, and passengers, Debra Rice, 65, Kelly Rice, 37, and Devin Klein, 39, all of Missouri, were found alert and complaining of pain.
All passengers were transported to Putnam County Hospital and treated for their injuries, ranging from pain to lacerations and abrasions.
Debra Rice had the most injuries, including head, facial and shoulder injuries.
Seatbelts were reportedly in use by everyone but Debra Rice. Side-impact airbags were also deployed. The jaws of life was used to remove both passenger doors.
Assisting Trooper Wood in investigating the accidents were Troopers Bill Bradbury and Troy Cobb, Cloverdale Police Officer Charlie Hallam, the Cloverdale Fire Department and Putnam County Operation Life personnel.