Wreck halts traffic on U.S. 231

Thursday, May 28, 2009
This semi, which came to rest on its side just north of C.R. 850N and US 231, had 231 closed for several hours Tuesday as crews cleaned up its hazardous contents.

BAINBRIDGE -- An overturned semi at the corner of US 231 and CR 850N had traffic stopped on 231 for more than four hours Wednesday afternoon.

A northbound pickup truck was being followed by the 18-wheeler owned by Heritage Transport in Indianapolis, when the driver of the pickup pulled to the right shoulder as if to make a right turn.

However, instead of turning right, he attempted to make a U-turn and was struck by the semi. Both vehicles ended up in the ditch on the west side of the road, with the semi on its side and some of its trailer's contents spilling out.

Neither driver's name was available at press time. Putnam County Operation Life transported the driver of the pickup from the scene with mild injuries.

The call came in to Putnam County Dispatch at 1:16 p.m., and authorities from the Roachdale Fire Department, Roachdale Police and Putnam County Sheriff's Department also responded.

Roachdale Fire Chief Mike Poole said the trailer contained mildly hazardous material, so Greencastle Fire Department's Hazmat Team was on standby. GFD Chief Bill Newgent responded to the scene.

However, since the spill was minimal and the soil being hauled was only mildly hazardous, crews from Heritage responded for cleanup.

According to dispatch, one lane of 231 was reopened by 5:42 p.m., with crews leaving the scene at around 6 p.m.

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