First responders from multiple police and fire agencies were sent to the 74 mile marker of Interstate 65 at 3 p.m. Monday after a semi went off in the roadway into a treeline.
German Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to the report of the semi driver trapped in the cab of the truck, firefighters said. Columbus firefighters were also sent to the scene.
The accident was just south of the I-65 rest park in the northbound lanes of the interstate.
German Township Fire Chief Matt Lynch requested additional support from Columbus firefighters and for Lifeline helicopter.
Lifeline landed on the interstate as crews from each agency were performing extrication, firefighters said.
The driver was out of the truck about 20 minutes after the accident, firefighters said. He was first treated in an ambulance and then moved to the helicopter to be flown to a Level 1 trauma center in Indianapolis.
The northbound lanes of I-65 were closed for more than an hour after the accident with traffic diverted off at the Columbus exit. Traffic remained slow in the northbound lanes as the investigation continues and the interstate reopened.
Agencies involved: German Township Volunteer Fire Department, Columbus Regional Health EMS, Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Township Fire Department, Bartholomew County Emergency Operation Center, IU Health Lifeline, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, 31 Wrecker Service.
