BLOOMINGTON – On 5/3/2023 at approximately 8:51 p.m., Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of S State Road 37 and E Smithville Road in reference to a two-vehicle accident with injuries.
Deputies learned that a Maroon 2017 GMC Acadia was traveling westbound on E Smithville Road near
the intersection of S State Road 37. The maroon GMC crossed over all lanes of State Road 37 with the
intent to continue West on E Smithville Rd. The GMC failed to yield the right of way to a black Hyundai
Sante Fe.
As a result of failing to yield the right of way, the black Sante Fe right angle collided with the maroon
GMC. The Sante Fe traveled approximately 70 feet down the embankment. Airbags were deployed on
both vehicles.
The driver of the Santa Fe reported being trapped in the vehicle and complained of leg, chest, and hip
pain. Monroe Fire Protection District Firemen were able to extricate the driver from Santa Fe. He was
transported to IU Health Bloomington Hospital by ambulance with serious but non-life-threatening
injuries.
The driver of the GMC Acadia admitted to having an alcoholic beverage before driving. The driver
submitted to a PBT; the results of which were .017, under the legal limit of .080. The driver was transported
by ambulance to IU Health Bloomington Hospital with a complaint of hip pain. There were two children
in the vehicle, both of which sustained only minor injuries. They were released to family members at the
scene.
The driver of the GMC consented to a blood draw, which is standard procedure in any crash resulting in
serious bodily injury. At this time, no charges are pending, and no arrests have been made.
This will be
under investigation until the Indiana State Department of Toxicology analyzes the blood results.
All individuals are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department thanks IU Health Lifeline Ambulance Services and Monroe Fire Protection District for their assistance.
