Reckless driver causes log trailer to jackknife Thursday morning

A truck and trailer hauling logs sits jackknifed along U.S. 231 after a reckless driver caused a chain reaction of slowing cars.

Courtesy Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

Reckless driving led to an incident on U.S. 231 north of Greencastle Thursday morning in which a truck and trailer were forced to bail into the ditch.

Matthew Reynen, 47, Rockville, was traveling southbound in a 2006 GMC Sierra and pulling an open trailer with logs. A Jack’s Trash Service truck was also in the area picking up garbage.

A small passenger vehicle, identified as a Honda Civic, was also traveling southbound and passing traffic when it slammed on the brakes to not hit the trash truck. This caused a chain reaction in which other motorists had to brake as well.

Reynen stated he could not slow down enough to avoid a collision due to the weight of the logs, and thus was forced to go off the road. The load jackknifed and went over a culvert before coming to rest in the ditch.

Reynen’s vehicle went through two fences, knocked over a mailbox and damaged the driveway of Don Lytle’s residence at 1046 N. U.S. 231. Meanwhile, the Honda Civic did not stop and continued on.

The operators of the trash truck and a motorist who was driving behind Reynen’s vehicle also stated that the Civic was recklessly passing the other vehicles before the incident.

Reynen advised to first responders that he and his passengers were unhurt and did not need medical attention.

Curtis Garage & Wrecker retrieved the damaged truck and trailer. The Indiana Department of Transportation also assisted with traffic control during the investigation.

Deputy Brian Helmer estimated total damage from the accident to be between $25,000-$50,000.