I-80 Construction Zone crash results in a single fatality

LAKE CO. – Saturday morning at approximately 5:30 a.m., troopers responded to a crash with injuries on I-80/94 eastbound at the 4.8-mile marker. This location is just west of the Cline Ave. overpass.

A preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Lawrence McFarrin shows that a blue 2019 Kia had been reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed through the construction zone. The Kia collided with a crash attenuator that separates the mainline interstate lanes from the exit ramp to Cline Avenue.

After the initial impact, the Kia was reported to have gone airborne and traveled into the lanes of travel. The Kia went directly into the path of a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, which struck the Kia on the driver’s side door area. 

Life-saving measures were attempted on the driver of the Kia, however, the driver succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet was not injured.

The Lake County Coroner’s Office and the Gary Fire Department also assisted at the scene. Identification of the deceased will be made by the Lake County Coroner once notification to the family has been made.

The construction season is upon us, and the Indiana State Police remind drivers to use extra caution while driving in work zones.  While lane shifts are marked and warnings posted, reduced speeds are necessary to ensure not only your safety but the safety of those around you as well as the construction workers.