Indiana sheriff says following too closely caused US 30 pileup involving multiple semi trucks

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office (LPCSO) urged drivers to leave more following distance following a serious multi-vehicle crash on US 30 in Indiana this week.

The crash occurred around 5 p.m. on May 5, 2026, on westbound US 30, east of SR 39, in La Porte County, Indiana.

LPCSO said that two commercial vehicles and a passenger vehicle were stopped at an intersection for a traffic control device.

“A third CMV traveling westbound crashed into the rear of the stopped passenger vehicle forcing it off the roadway. The fourth CMV plowed into the rear of the initial crashed vehicles,” deputies said.

The crash involved a total of five vehicles, four of which were commercial vehicles.

Three people suffered injuries in the crash.

In a May 7 update on the crash, LPCSO said that the cause of the crash was determined to be following too closely.

“Following too closely is a leading cause of rear-end crashes. Drivers should maintain a safe distance between vehicles to allow enough time to react to sudden stops or changing roadway conditions. Safe spacing saves lives!” said LPCSO Administrative Captain Derek J. Allen.