INDIANAPOLIS, IN - A crash involving one semi slowed traffic along I-74 at the Thompson Road exit in southeastern Marion County this afternoon and sent the driver to Methodist Hospital. The crash occurred about 12:29 pm.
According to witnesses, the driver of the semi was traveling eastbound in the right hand lane when he signaled a lane change using his left turn signal. After making the lane change the semi continued traveling to the left driving through the median, across both westbound lanes of I-74, and striking the Thompson Road overpass. The impact trapped the driver in the wreckage for one hour before firemen from the Indianapolis Fire Department could free him. The driver was then airlifted to Methodist Hospital by the Methodist Hospital air ambulance helicopter.
The semi tractor, pulling an empty flatbed trailer, was being operated by Shuman Specialized Transportation of Springfield, Ohio. The investigation continues at this time to determine the reason the semi traveled through the median and across both westbound lanes of I-74.
A bridge inspector from the Indiana Department of Transportation was on the scene and after inspecting the overpass, determined the crash caused no structural damage to the bridge.
The name of the driver is being withheld until notification to family has been made.
The Indiana State Police were assisted at the scene by the Indianapolis Fire Department, INDOT, Methodist Hospital Air Ambulance, and Interstate Towing.
