Driver identified in fatal I-70 semi crash

Thursday, July 21, 2022
A semi rests on its side after it crashed into the median along Interstate 70 between Cloverdale and Brazil on July 3. The driver killed in the incident has been identified.
Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

PUTNAMVILLE — The driver involved in a recent fatal semi tractor-trailer incident on Interstate 70 between Cloverdale and Brazil has been identified.

The Indiana State Police announced Thursday that the Putnam County Coroner’s Office identified the driver as Dominic Woodfield, 56, Joppa, Md.

It was determined that Woodfield, who was hauling three camper trailers, was traveling in the driving lane near the 36-mile marker westbound when he crossed over the roadway, struck the guardrail and overturned the rig. The cab then caught fire.

As such, first responders were dispatched to the area for a vehicle fire with explosions reported. With the whole rig resting on its side in the median, the cab was fully engulfed when the Cloverdale Township Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene.

While Cloverdale Township VFD responded with engines, the Jefferson Township and Reelsville volunteer fire departments came with tankers and assisted with extinguishing the blaze. Absorbent was also put down due to a large diesel spillage.

The left guardrail was twisted in the impact and blocked the roadway until firefighters removed it.

It is unknown why Woodfield crossed the road, but drugs and alcohol are not believed to be contributing factors. Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames told the Banner Graphic that the rig did have not a video recording of the cab’s inside.

While family was initially notified, Woodfield was positively identified through DNA analysis.

Coroner Jon Myers told the Banner Graphic that an autopsy found that Woodfield suffered minor injuries in the crash itself. However, he succumbed to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Putnam County EMS and the Indiana Department of Transportation also responded to the crash. Meanwhile, Curtis Wrecker was called to stabilize the rig.

Indiana State Police Trooper Colton Maynor led the investigation into the incident.

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