Driver injured as Clinton funeral home van crashes on I-70

CLOVERDALE — Indiana State Police and Putnam County emergency agencies responded to a one-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 35-mile marker, six miles west of Cloverdale.

Rescue personnel secure the scene of a one-vehicle accident Tuesday on Interstate 70 west of Cloverdale where a mortuary services van transporting a deceased person went off the roadway and crashed. State Police photo

The 1:05 p.m. accident involved a mortuary services van transporting a deceased person. The only injury was to the driver, authorities said.

Preliminary investigation revealed a black 2013 Dodge Caravan, driven by Matthew J. Fitzthum, 49, of Clinton, was westbound on I-70 and traveled off the roadway into the median, ultimately striking a tree.

Fitzthum was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment of multiple abrasions and pain. Reportedly, he was being admitted for observation.

The investigation is continuing with the possibility of future charges, as alcohol appears to be a factor in this crash, Indiana State Police officials at Putnamville reported.

The deceased elderly female in transport was transferred to another mortuary services vehicle from Simple Cremations and Burials, the Clinton funeral home company owned by Fitzthum.

ISP Region V Dispatch Center had received calls about the black van just prior to the crash from other persons concerned the driver may be impaired or fatigued.

The crash was investigated by ISP Senior Trooper Bill Bradbury. Assisting were ISP Sgts. Cory Robinson and Jared Nicoson, the Cloverdale Town Marshal’s Office, Putnam County Operation Life and Cloverdale Township Volunteer Fire Department personnel.