Bainbridge woman escapes serious injury in Thursday morning crash
FINCASTLE — A two-vehicle accident on U.S. 231 just south of Fincastle Thursday injured a Bainbridge woman.
Witnesses reported a 2005 Saturn Relay being driven southbound by 58-year-old Janet Lane of Bainbridge veered over into the path of an oncoming northbound 2001 Mack semi.
The semi driver, 52-year-old Robbie R. Bluck of Frankfort, attempted to avoid the collision by traveling off the east side of the roadway.
The truck and trailer, registered to Merit Trucking LLC of Waveland, ended up jackknifed in the ditch.
Sheriff Scott Stockton credited Bluck’s driving with preventing a head-on crash with the van that could have killed the driver.
Instead, the glancing impact caused Lane head pain that was not believed to be life-threatening. She was transported from the scene by Operation Life.
For a time, the road was closed in both directions as crews from the Roachdale Fire Department and Bainbridge Fire Department cleaned up a diesel fuel spill.
The accident was investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Matt Biggs, assisted by Sheirff Stockton, Lt. Donnie Pettit, Deputy Tanner Brown and Indiana State Police Sgt. Cory Robinson and Trooper Johnny Meyers.
Traffic was also temporarily rerouted at U.S. 36 and State Road 236, with Indiana Department of Transportation workers assisting with blocking and directing traffic.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene with damages estimated between $25,000 and $50,000.