Loss of control of vehicle results in I-70 crash with one injury

PUTNAMVILLE -- Indiana State Police Troopers and Putnam County emergency agencies responded to a two-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 34-mile marker, seven miles west of Cloverdale, about 1:50 p.m. Thursday.

Preliminary investigation revealed a white 1995 Dodge pickup, driven by 72-year-old James Lee Messer of Rice, Va., was eastbound on I-70 and for an unknown reason left the roadway on the south side and struck various trees.

His vehicle then returned to the roadway and struck a 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by Marilyn Kaye, 68, of Manhattan, Kan., in the rear.

Kaye's vehicle was stationary on the emergency shoulder as she waited for heavy rain to pass through the area.

Messer was transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment of a head injury and arm and chest pain. His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening.

Kaye and her husband reported no injuries.

The accident was investigated by ISP Master Trooper DuJuan-Presley McFadden. Assisting were ISP Sgt. Cory Robinson, Putnam County Operation Life paramedics, Cloverdale Fire/Rescue and Cloverdale Police Sgt. Charlie Hallam.