Indiana Toll Road back open after series of accidents

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Bristol, IN
Posted: 6:19 PM Oct 28, 2008
Last Updated: 2:28 PM Oct 29, 2008
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com

57 comments

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Indiana State Police say all the lanes of the Indiana Toll Road are open, between mile marker 96 and 100, and traffic is flowing. The westbound lanes were closed while crews cleaned up after a series of accidents early Tuesday morning.

Police say a pickup truck collided with a semi at mile marker 100, near Bristol, around 4:45 a.m. Tuesday. The pickup rolled over and two people suffered serious injuries. They were airlifted from the scene.

Soon after an Indiana State Trooper who was responding to the accident lost control of his vehicle, crashed into a guard rail and struck an Indiana Toll Road maintenance vehicle. No one was hurt in the accident.

Around 5:15 a tractor-trailer struck another semi that was stopped due to the first accident. When the vehicles collided one exploded and both burst into flames. One man was airlifted with serious burns.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: nANCY Location: QUINCY, IL 62305 on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:56 PM
mOST INFORMATIVE

Posted by: Chief Michael W. Holdeman Location: Porter Fire, Union, MI on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Whomever is posting messages in the name of "Porter Fire" may want to retract their statement. Porter Fire Department does not make stupid incriminating comments on a blog criticizing other departments operations. Roadway operations, especially the Toll Road in particular are very hazardous. We are well aware of the difficulties in operating at difficult scenes, and an outsider near the scene watching operations always seems to be the perfect Firefighter/Incident Commander. Bristol Fire Department is a capable and professional department who's goal is like all of us, Saving lives, and protecting property, all too often at our own risk. Comments/posts like this express ones stupidity, and claiming to post in the name of another department is reprehensible. Porter Fire Department has begun an internal investigation to determine if this post originated from a member, if so the individual will be disciplined appropriately. Chief Michael W. Holdeman Porter Fire Department. Union, MI

Posted by: Osolo Ems responder to the toll rd on tuesday morning Location: elkhart on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:28 AM
i just want to get this out in the air so we can get the facts straight. On tuesday morning there was an ACCIDENT on the toll rd. Its something that happened and it was dealt with involving the needed resources we needed to get the job done. In defense of the Bristol Fire Department they did a very respectable job with what they had. Due to budget cuts, MAN POWER IS LOW. I dont know if people in the community understand this. WE NEED MORE MANPOWER FOR THINGS LIKE THIS. lets put this into prespective here. Bristol called for mutual aid becuase they needed help. They were short on manpower for the size incident they had.Yes Osolo did call for a helicopter because bristol command was dealing with the second accident as everything was unfolding from the first wreck. so yes when osolo went on scene we did alot of things but it was to help. And another thing bristol fire did help with extrication. But it seems for Me and three other people who had pt care you people sure do know alot about it

Posted by: County Paramedic Location: Elkhart, IN on Nov 4, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I just feel bad for the patients, their families, and the emergency personnel that had to figure it all out. Bashing people goes nowhere. We can blame a million things... it comes down to a bad situation for all that had to endure it. Kudos to those that did, take care of yourselves mentally & physically. With Love, A fellow paramedic

Posted by: Farmer Frank Location: Rural Marshall County on Nov 3, 2008 at 11:23 AM
man builds it, there will be accidents. God (mitch Daniels) limits the improvement of alternate routes in the area ,and there will be even more accidents...but at least this state has a surplus.......Prayers to those involved and injured, and to those who have the opportunity to change the head of this state in the next election.

Posted by: Porter Fire Location: Union on Oct 31, 2008 at 06:31 AM
Matt, are you kidding me? Bristol Fire did great? Another keystone kops-like effort on their part is what I saw from my vantage point. They never called for a helicopter, Osolo EMS took care of that. They completed no extrication, Osolo Fire took care of that. The only thing they accomplished was extinguishing the banana fire, how ironic considering they usually look like a bunch of trained chimps. There's a reason 22 people have died in the last 3 years on this stretch of highway, partially due to poor driving and inattentiveness, but also due to lack of proper and professional patient care. If ever there was a need for internal investigations, this would be a good department to start with. Shouldn't take too long though with the newest female they hired and her history of bogus harassment suits at three other agencies.

Posted by: MAYBERRY on Oct 29, 2008 at 10:38 PM
How is Barney going to explain crashing a 30thousand police car? Andy not going to happy about that. Take his keys SOUTH BEND needs a foot patrol officer. Dont forget to give Barney some bullets,ones not enough in South Bend.

Posted by: Matt Location: Middlebury (York Twp.) on Oct 29, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Sara I agree totally. There should be some sort of overhead electronic signs like the Borman Expressway has (I-80/94) in the Gary/Hammond area. The Pennsylvania Turnpike has these types of signs all across their highway, even in the most remote portions. INDOT, what do you think? Luckly I had my CB in my car to help the trucks avoid the area. However I was kinda upset that there was not one state truck or emergency vehicle blocking the westbound get-on ramp at the Bristol interchange after going thru the booth. I got there almost 30 minutes after it happened that morning. It was a cluster and Bristol Fire did great.

Posted by: Sara Dunsworth Location: Middlebury on Oct 29, 2008 at 01:01 PM
As a daily toll road commuter for the past 6 yrs, I would like to share two observations. First off, I think that the road conditions have been just as good, if not better, than what they've been pre-sale. Second comment is that I entered the toll road yesterday, after the third accident, at MM 92. There wasn't one sign indicating any issues ahead. I didn't realize there was a problem, until I approached a parked police car, headed the wrong direction in the passing lane with a few flares in the other lane, right at the exit at MM96. Come on now! Couldn't they light up one of the amber alert signs? I have come upon issue during the times I've used the toll road, this is not the first time they aren't making drivers aware of problems ahead like they could. Also, those truckers involved in the third accident are very lucky they survived. It was just horrible!

Posted by: frank on Oct 29, 2008 at 12:27 PM
I know Michigan drivers cant drive that why they have no-fault insurance I also say everybody involved is a bad driver especially BARNEY FIFE the ISP

Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Oct 29, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Slow down in bad weather and focus on your driving! It is just that easy to bad most drivers don't do it.

Posted by: N on Oct 29, 2008 at 08:03 AM
So we get what can only be described as a "dusting" of snow and all Hell breaks loose on the roads? Come on people, this is northern Indiana, it snows, you should know how to drive in it now.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 09:42 PM
You guys are asses maybe you all should take into consideration with what the families are going through. Wuit thinking of yourselves.

Posted by: BFD Location: Bristol on Oct 28, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Hey JOHN, its obvious you seem to have a major problem with Bristol fire department. So I invite you to come to our business meeting on the 5th of November @ 7pm. So we can discuss you problems, and we all know you have a lot Dan!

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 06:57 PM
You people are sick. I can't believe some of you are making jokes about such a serious situation. Hope it wasn't a close relative of yours. WNDU could do a better job of screening these comments to show respect to those who are hurting.

Posted by: we were there Location: middlebury on Oct 28, 2008 at 06:05 PM
and if anyone has any information on, at least, how the man who was rear ended in the semi is doing id really like to know. I hold high hopes for that man and his family that he'll pull through

Posted by: I was there! Location: middlebury on Oct 28, 2008 at 06:01 PM
It wasnt gas it was soap. Me and my bf and daughter were there when the explosion happen. First on the seen!! Nothing to joke about. A man was litterally on fire because of that crash! Me my boyfriend and another passerby had to hold jackets on this man because he was so engolfed in flames. I think the last thing that you should worry about is gas prices. I have never seen anything like that in my life and I never want to again. It was horrific seeing this poor man so burned and in pain. My heart goes out to him and his family and the same should go for u

Posted by: Pat Location: Shenandoah on Oct 28, 2008 at 05:13 PM
I guess the experiment with selling the toll road to a foreign company. Poor maintenance, accidents, paying the foreign company for an act of nature, and trying to screw the toll road employees. I hope the people involved in the accident are OK, but it is time to send the FOREIGN company ruining OUR toll road to take a hike. Who paid to have the toll road built? WE DID! Who pays the tolls? WE DO. Who owns it? WE, THE TAXPAYERS DO!!!!! Ditch the DUMB---- MITCH!!!!!!

Posted by: CJ Location: Middlebury on Oct 28, 2008 at 05:12 PM
I don't get it. Why does everyone hate the police and fire department? They seem to do a good job to me.

Posted by: justin Location: mish on Oct 28, 2008 at 05:01 PM
what does mitch have to do with this? I remember more surious crashes that involving fatalites happening before the lease. The toll road is a dangerous road no matter who owns it.

Posted by: Eric Location: OC on Oct 28, 2008 at 04:29 PM
love it little wet slick roads and everyone forgets how to drive... like we never seen it before... every year same time just more idiots.... SLOW DOWN

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 03:43 PM
You know, I find it quite ridiculous that a horrible thing like this can leave so many selfishly thinking about the toll road. How about praying for the families of the victims. Or, here's an idea, pray for our polititians rather than doing nothing but criticizing them. They have a huge job to do, and personally, I think Mitch has done amazing things for our state. How about a budget surplus for the first time in how many years??

Posted by: Enraged by stupidity Location: Elkhart on Oct 28, 2008 at 03:24 PM
What is wrong with you people???? Three people may possibly lose their lives and you are on here making jokes and crying because you have to spend too much money for gas. I bet the people that were airlifted would pay millions just to be able to drive to the gas station and pay $4.00 for a gallon of gas. What a bunch of selfish, insensitive jerks. My heart and prayers go out to the victims and the families and also to all of my brother and sister firefighters who risked their lives to save theirs!!

Posted by: Jessica Location: Goshen on Oct 28, 2008 at 03:03 PM
It is really sad to me that you have people that can joke about a serious accident!! I bet you wouldnt be laughing if it was your family that was involved!!

Posted by: m on Oct 28, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Wow.

Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Oct 28, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Drivers of the 18 wheelers need to learn how to slow down...as for you macho men who want to drive pickups, you need to learn how to speed up and drive with the flow of the traffic. You guys have these big bad pickup trucks with V8's and you come onto an expressway doing 25 mph when the flow of traffic is moving at the rate of 60 mph. You also need to get off your cell phones when entering an expressway or toll road. If you want to talk about lease...I think these drivers lease their brains to a foreign country. Who would want to be a hood ornament for an 18 wheeler?

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 01:23 PM
feel sorry for these people that there 'help' came from bristol

Posted by: mvd Location: topeka on Oct 28, 2008 at 12:35 PM
let me get this straight a semi which was moving was stuck by one that was stopped?

Posted by: Fireguy on Oct 28, 2008 at 12:13 PM
The tanker truck was full of soap, not gas. John, your an idiot.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: SB on Oct 28, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Mich, the fact that you can vote scares me. You don't even know which words to use when posting here...hay vs hey, no vs know, and sell vs lease. Are you sure you are qualified to cast a vote?

Posted by: Fallguy Location: Michigan on Oct 28, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Where does it say a gasoline tanker was involved? Where does it say Michigan drivers were involved? And the fault falls on the Toll Road Police for not enforcing the speed limits 88 mph is way too fast on any road. Just plain SLOW DOWN! Cops get off your butts and write speeding tickets! 5 over is enough of a break!

Posted by: Barb Location: Elkhart on Oct 28, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Bristol Fire has had to deal with a lot of terrible accidents on the Toll Road. They have dealt with everything with class, professionalism and compassion. Shame on you John.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 11:04 AM
a little bit of snow and people forget how to drive

Posted by: ?? Location: Middlebury on Oct 28, 2008 at 10:50 AM
What is wrong with you people?? There are people fighting for their lives and you are making crack jokes about fire/ police and gas prices?? I am amazed by the lack of compassion that is posted here. Let's just put a comment to pray for the poor people and their familes involved in the crash and that our police and fire departments can help them!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Wow, no wonder our world is the way it is! A bunch of insensitive people out there that can only think of themselves and gas prices when they are people not doing so well from this accident. Instead of complaining, you should be praying for God to be with the victims and their families to help them get through this!

Posted by: M Location: V on Oct 28, 2008 at 10:44 AM
The stopped trailer struck the moving trailer. There's an insurance nightmare if that's on the police report. Gotta go, Unhappy is probably right...

Posted by: Unbelieveable Location: Elkhart on Oct 28, 2008 at 10:34 AM
You people and your comments make me sick...there are people fighting for their lives from this accident!

Posted by: kelly Location: elkhart on Oct 28, 2008 at 10:18 AM
wow... you people are out of control. a serious accident and all you can do is bash people and politics.. you must have nothing to be thankful for or a life

Posted by: BFD Brad on Oct 28, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Hey John, hou bout you think before you post, we read these too, and I take offense to such a callous comment, we do our job just like everyone in the county, and if you have problems, than try to be mature and talk through the right channels about them, and not post in a website!

Posted by: Michigan Driver on Oct 28, 2008 at 10:01 AM
How do you know that it was a Michigan driver Frank? Indiana drivers can't drive that great either!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: South Bend on Oct 28, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Hey people, no joke here, people were hurt, regardless of the gas issues and/or the way people drive. Have some compansion for these people.

Posted by: pray for victims on Oct 28, 2008 at 09:44 AM
To Unhappy...I hope you were trying to make a bad joke. I was injured last yr on the toll road in a multi car accident and have still not recovered. I pray for the recovery of all those injured. Many truckers don't give bad roads the respect it deserves and many cars do so it's very dangerous having people driving at so many different speeds. That article last week about troopers riding with truckers to keep their eyes on cars made my skin crawl. They've got it backwards. The speed limit needs to be adjusted for treacherous road conditions. Cars are in a hurry to get where they are going and truckers have quotas that translate into $$$. Not worth loss of life and injury. EVERYBODY, slow down and drive with caution. Let's keep all those injured in our prayers and thank all emergency responders that work hard to save lives.

Posted by: John on Oct 28, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Mich, was thinking you should get on a plane a go vist your "T"

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Hm. Since the Toll Road has been leased there are fewer state trooper patrolling looking for speeders and careless drivers and fewer maintenance crews taking care of the roads, clearing roads when snow falls or ice forms, clearing debris, and watching dangerous driving conditions. Yeah, what could that have to do to the number of accidents and the increase of fatalities on the road?

Posted by: UNHAPPY on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:53 AM
JUST GREAT gas was going down now they have a excuse to raise gas prices lost a truck full of gas

Posted by: mich Location: mish on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:47 AM
just to let you no john i lease my letter T to a foreign company

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:44 AM
good idea lease the fire depts to iran bet they would pay big money to let us burn

Posted by: frank on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:42 AM
out of state in a hurry causing wrecks probably some michigan drivers

Posted by: steve Location: lagrange on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Its got to be Mitch's fault, we never had any wrecks on the tollroad when the state ran it...duh

Posted by: JOhn on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:27 AM
MICH, peolple are hurt out there. Sorry don't see the joke

Posted by: JOHN on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:26 AM
It's bristol fire we could afford to lose them.

Posted by: Joel on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Excuse me here but what does the lease of the Toll Road have to do with people's inability to drive?

Posted by: Mich Location: mish on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Hey John what you cant take a joke. you need to get over it

Posted by: not Mitch 2 Location: sb on Oct 28, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Yeah, and let's lease the police department to a foreign company.

Posted by: Anon Location: South Bend on Oct 28, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Hey, let's learn how to spell!

Posted by: craig Location: la grange on Oct 28, 2008 at 07:47 AM
I know sellimng the fire dept. was a joke, but be carefull, if Mitch gets ahold of this he''ll run with it

Posted by: JOhn on Oct 28, 2008 at 07:43 AM
I think you mean LEASE. GET OVER IT MAN!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: elkhart on Oct 28, 2008 at 07:31 AM
hey jerk-off(not mich) now is not the time to be playing games people are hurt and in the hospital have some respect

Posted by: not Mich Location: mish on Oct 28, 2008 at 07:08 AM
Hay lets sell the fire department