I-65 crash near Crown Point sends driver to hospital

CROWN POINT –  Tuesday at 1:45 p.m., Indiana State Police troopers responded to a crash on I-65 southbound at the 246.8 mile-marker. 

According to investigators, a blue 2010 Ford Focus was traveling southbound in the far left lane when the driver, 36-year-old Jaime L. Wheeler, from Wheatfield, IN, lost control of the vehicle on the wet roadway.  The Ford then struck the trailer of a semi that was traveling south in the center lane.  Both vehicles came to a stop in the right lane. 

The Ford was wedged under the trailer resulting in injuries to the driver, who was transported to the Franciscan Health Hospital in Crown Point for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

The driver of the semi was not injured.  Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be a factor in this crash. 

Investigators say, speed too fast for the wet road conditions as well as the condition of the tires of the Ford were contributing factors in this crash. 

The roadway was closed for several hours for crash scene cleanup and investigation. 

Assisting at the scene were the following:  Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Crown Point Fire Department, Hoosier Helpers and Area Towing.