(SCOTT CO.) – A two-vehicle crash in the early morning hours on Thanksgiving claimed the life of one driver and sent several others to Louisville hospitals.
At approximately 12:49 a.m., Scott County Sheriff’s Department dispatch received a call reporting a two-vehicle crash on State Road 56 near State Road 39. Scott County deputies were the first units to arrive and soon requested assistance from the Indiana State Police (ISP) and ISP crash reconstructionists.
Investigators believe a black, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, driven by 50-year-old Victor Colon, of Scottsburg, was traveling south on State Road 39 approaching the stop sign at the intersection of State Road 56. This intersection is in eastern Washington County near the Scott County line. At the same time, a silver, 2017 Ford Escape, driven by 35-year-old Stephanie Barnett, of Salem, was westbound on State Road 56 approaching the same intersection.
Police say Colon likely pulled out onto State Road 56 in front of the Barnett’s Ford Escape, causing the Escape to collide with the Cavalier, knocking it off the roadway.
Barnett was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital by ambulance, and her two juvenile passengers were transported by ambulance to Norton’s Children’s Hospital.
Victor Colon was pronounced dead at the scene by the Washington County coroner.
The passenger of Colon’s vehicle, 55-year-old Barbara M. Hall, of Scottsburg, was airlifted to University Hospital.
The use of drugs or alcohol is unknown at this time; however, the investigation is ongoing.
ISP units were assisted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, The Scottsburg City Police Department, Scott County EMS, Scott County Fire, the Washington County Coroner, and All-Around Towing.