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I-70 motorcycle crash results in serious injuries
PUTNAMVILLE -- Local emergency agencies responded to a single-motorcycle crash on Interstate 70 Thursday morning that resulted in the rider being airlifted to Indianapolis.
At 8:17 a.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to eastbound I-70 near the 37.5-mile marker for the crash involving serious personal injury.
The driver was transported to Methodist Hospital by Lifeline helicopter for treatment of facial lacerations and possible internal injuries.
Cloverdale Police officers were the first on scene, discovering that the rider, 58-year-old Anthony Tingley of Terre Haute, had lost control of his 2012 Harley-Davidson.
The motorcycle crashed to the pavement and skidded approximately 250 feet.
The investigation by Indiana State Police Master Trooper Chris Harcourt revealed that Tingley's motorcycle may have blown a tire.
A witness following the cycle reported seeing smoke suddenly emit from the cycle while simultaneously weaving erratically and crashing. The witness reported the cycle behavior as if a tire had blown out.
An examination of the motorcycle revealed a fully deflated and damaged rear tire.
Harcourt also credited Tingley's use of a helmet with limiting his injuries.
"The driver was wearing an approved DOT helmet which most likely reduced his injuries and/or saved his life," Harcourt said.
Other officers and agents on the scene included Master Troopers Don Farris and Chip McKee, Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Putnam County Operation Life, Cloverdale Fire and Rescue and the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Eastbound traffic was briefly stopped completely to allow the helicopter to land and transport the rider to Indianapolis.
One lane was reopened at 8:53 a.m. The interstate was completely reopened by 9:30 a.m.