Dog in I-70 roadway said cause of multi-vehicle accident that injured three

Courtesy Indiana State Police

CLOVERDALE -- A stray dog wandering onto Interstate 70 is believed to have spawned a three-vehicle accident Saturday night that sent three persons to area hospitals, Indiana State Police at Putamville reported.

The accident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 near the 46-mile marker, five miles east of Cloverdale.

Preliminary investigation indicates a tractor-trailer driven by Harpeet Singh, 25, of Canada, began to slow for a dog in the roadway as people were attempting to chase the animal. As Singh slowed, his rig was struck in the rear by another tractor-trailer driven by Saidul Islam, 32, of Michigan.

In between the two semis was a Hyundai Sonata driven by Anthony Bailey, 55, Avon. In his mirror, Bailey saw that the Islam tractor-trailer was not going to stop, so he attempted to steer right onto the emergency shoulder of the interstate.

In doing so, Bailey was still struck by the Islam tractor-trailer and forced off the roadway, ultimately rolling over multiple times.

Occupant extrications were done by Cloverdale Fire/Rescue with assistance from Putnam County Operation Life and Morgan EMS.

Anthony Bailey and his passenger, Patricia Bailey, 56, were both transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Anthony for minor injuries and Patricia for possible fractures.

Islam was airlifted to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis with fractures and facial lacerations.

Authorities said Islam may have been distracted by an interior panel warning light indicating possible mechanical issues.

Eastbound interstate traffic was diverted onto U.S. 231 at Cloverdale with both lanes reopened at approximately 12:40 a.m.

The crash was investigated by Trooper David Cox Jr. Assisting were ISP Sgt. Cory Robinson and Trooper Austin Fowler and Putnam County Sheriff's Department deputies, along with personnel from Putnam County Operation Life, Cloverdale Fire/Rescue, Morgan County EMS, Stat Flight Air Medical, INDOT and Curtis Wrecker Service.