Drivers uninjured as car jumps over trailer, truck
BAINBRIDGE -- An unlikely wreck Wednesday morning on County Road 25 West left Putnam County sheriff's deputies scratching their heads, but also thankful that the drivers escaped without serious injury.
Donald Etter, 75, of Van Bibber Lake, was northbound when his car struck the back of a stopped trailer pulled by William Overbeck, 69, of Greencastle.
Rather than pushing the trailer into the back of Overbeck's 1999 Dodge Ram, Etter's 1993 Buick Century used the dovetail of the trailer as a ramp, going airborne and over the trailer and most of the truck.
On its way over, the Buick struck the cab of the pickup, causing serious damage, before landing in front of the truck, an estimated 30 feet from where it left the ground, according to Deputy Adam Hull.
Upon making landfall, Etter's car continued northbound, veering into the southbound lane and then off the west side of the road, where it came to rest down a small embankment in the edge of a field.
Overbeck's truck and trailer were stopped in the northbound lane, with four-way flashers activated, just south of a residence at 5690 N. CR 25 West. Overbeck told Hull that he stopped because one of the wheels of the trailer had locked up due to a piece of ice.
After stopping and activating his flashers, Overbeck got out of the truck to investigate the problem. He said that shortly after he stopped, a conservation officer pulled up and asked if he needed help. Overbeck replied that he did not, and the conservation officer continued on his way.
Overbeck said he was still outside his vehicle when he noticed Etter approaching from the south. Overbeck began trying to wave to the other driver when he realized the car was not slowing down.
Once it was obvious Etter's car was not stopping, Overbeck got clear of the truck and trailer, avoiding injury.
Overbeck said he never saw Etter activate his brakes, either before or after impact.
Additionally, a man approaching from the north witnessed the accident, giving a similar account to Overbeck's.
With Etter's car approaching, the third driver was able to slow, almost to a stop, and avoid becoming part of the crash.
Etter said he had no memory of seeing or hitting the truck.
Operation Life was dispatched to the scene to perform a medical check on Etter. He signed a statement of release following the examination.
Sgt. Craig Sibbitt and later Capt. Tom Helmer assisted with traffic control at the scene. The road remained open to one-lane traffic through most of the investigation and cleanup, except when Kenny's Wrecker Service was retrieving Etter's car.
Damage was estimated at $5,001-$10,000.
With extensive front-end damage, at least one flat tire and unknown damage to the undercarriage, Etter's Buick was hauled from the scene.
Overbeck's truck was still operational, but the cab sustained severe body damage as well as a broken rear window. The left fender of the trailer was also bent.
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As someone who just happened onto the scene after it was over, I'm thankful that everyone made it through unscathed and you're still here to talk about it.