Reelsville semi driver airlifted after Parke County crash

Friday, July 6, 2018

MANSFIELD -- A 69-year-old Putnam County man was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital following a tractor-trailer accident Friday morning on State Road 59 in Parke County.

A Freightliner tractor, driven by Donald E. Stevenson of Reelsville, was southbound on State Road 59 in Parke County Friday morning when it suddenly veered off the roadway into a group of trees. Stevenson was airlifted to Indianapolis, reportedly with significant leg injuries.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., Indiana State Police and Parke County emergency agencies responded to the accident on State Road 59 just south of County Road 720 South.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Freightliner tractor, pulling an empty box trailer, driven by Donald E. Stevenson of Reelsville, was southbound on SR 59 and suddenly veered right off the roadway into a group of trees.

Impact entrapped the driver for nearly one hour before Stevenson could be extricated by members of the Adams Township Fire/Rescue and Bellmore Fire Departments.

Stevenson was airlifted via IU Health Lifeline to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of significant leg injuries, Indiana State Police reported.

Investigators believe a sudden onset health issue may have caused Stevenson to leave the roadway.

ISP Det. Deanna Jones came upon the crash and provided medical assistance until arrival of EMS.

The accident was investigated by ISP Trooper Brian Thomas. Assisting were ISP Troopers Michael Organ, Gary Winters, ISP Crash Reconstructionists Ted Robertson and Tim Rader, ISP Det. Jones, ISP Sgt. Joe Watts, Parke County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Brad McNeill, Rosedale Police Officer Kevin Bratcher, Adams Township Fire/Rescue, Bellmore Fire Department, Parke County EMS, IU Health Lifeline and Poor Boys Towing Service.

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