SPRINGVILLE – A Bedford man sustained serious injuries after his vehicle crashed and overturned on State Road 54 West early Thursday, June 5. The crash, which occurred around 5:47 a.m., is believed to have been caused by driving too fast for wet weather conditions and improper passing.
According to the Indiana Officer’s Standard Crash Report, Officer Corey Housel responded to the incident located 65 feet east of Reuter Lane in Springville. The road surface was wet, and it was dark at the time of the crash.
The driver, identified as 43-year-old Shawn D. Fausett of Bedford, was traveling westbound on State Road 54 West in a red 2012 Ford Mustang. Fausett was reportedly on his way to work when he attempted to pass another vehicle in a “No Passing Zone” for westbound traffic. The investigation concluded that Fausett’s unsafe speed, combined with the unlawful pass and wet/slick pavement, caused him to lose control of his vehicle.
The vehicle ran off the north side of the roadway, went up an embankment, and began to roll over, colliding with a privately-owned fence and a Duke Energy utility pole. Fausett was temporarily trapped inside the vehicle.
Emergency services, including the Perry and Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Departments, the Bedford Fire Department’s Extrication Team, and IU Health-Ambulance Service, were dispatched to the scene. Volunteer firefighters and medical personnel eventually extricated Fausett.
According to the Indiana Officer’s Standard Crash Report, Officer Corey Housel reported that Fausett sustained significant injuries, including two broken legs, a fractured hip, and a laceration to his head, and was transported first to IU Health-Bloomington Hospital and then to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for further treatment and possible surgery.
The estimated damage from the crash is between $10,001 and $25,000.
No citations were issued to Fausett on-scene, nor was a chemical test administered, as no one reported he was impaired, and his injuries required immediate treatment.
A handgun and ammunition were located inside the vehicle after Fausett’s transport and were taken into possession by Officer Atchison.
Stone City Collision towed the vehicle, and Duke Energy responded to repair the damaged utility pole. The owner of the damaged fence was also notified.
