Motorist dead after crashing into unoccupied big rig on shoulder of Indiana interstate

Indiana State Police (ISP) are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in the Gary area over the weekend.

Indiana State Police-Lowell Post responded a the crash involving “a parked, unoccupied semi-tractor/trailer and a Ford Explorer” at 1 p.m. on November 9 on I-80 at mile marker 9.

From an ISP news release:

“Preliminary investigation by Trooper Regen Smith shows a Volvo tractor pulling double FedEx trailers was parked on the right shoulder. The driver of the semi was outside the vehicle inspecting an air leak between the two trailers when the Ford Explorer left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck the rear passenger side of the rear trailer. The collision caused the rear trailer to lurch forward as the Ford continued off the roadway and into the right ditch.“

The Ford Explorer driver was ejected as the vehicle came to a stop in the ditch. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Assisting agencies include Gary Fire/EMS, WAFFCO Towing, Lake County Coroner’s Office, and INDOT.