Accident – Death – Obituary News :

A Tragic Incident on the Indiana Toll Road: Tow Truck Driver Loses Life in Crash

A somber incident unfolded on the Indiana Toll Road between the Middlebury and Howe/LaGrange exits, resulting in the tragic death of a tow truck driver. The victim, identified as Martin Troyer, a 63-year-old from Sturgis, MI, lost his life while engaged in the critical task of clearing an earlier crash.

The sequence of events transpired around 9:40 a.m. when an eastbound truck with an enclosed trailer lost control. The vehicle veered through the median, making contact with a tow truck parked on the shoulder of the westbound lanes. The tow truck, where Martin Troyer was situated, was sideswiped before the eastbound truck continued into the median.

Regrettably, the out-of-control vehicle struck not only the tow truck driver but also a semi-truck that was involved in a previous crash. The aftermath of the collision left a worker, who was cleaning a diesel spill resulting from the incident, with injuries. Fortunately, these injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.

Indiana State Police, in their preliminary investigation, have ruled out drugs or alcohol as contributing factors in the crash. Instead, they point to speed as a likely factor, emphasizing the challenging road conditions due to slick surfaces from overnight and morning snowfall. The Toll Road, temporarily closed for the investigation and cleanup, reopened around 1:45 p.m.

The tragic incident highlights the risks faced by emergency responders and tow truck operators working to clear crash sites, especially during adverse weather conditions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of exercising caution and reducing speed when navigating wintry roadways.

As the community mourns the loss of Martin Troyer, discussions surrounding road safety and measures to protect those working in emergency response roles may come to the forefront.

Source: WSBT

.