PREBLE COUNTY — Two crashes, including a deadly crash, on I-70 in western Preble County between Lewisburg and the state line shut down the interstate for roughly four hours on Thursday.
>>2 drivers flown to hospital after suffering serious injuries in Shelby County crash
The first crash was reported in the westbound lanes of I-70 about three miles west of U.S. 127 around 2:40 p.m. Thursday.
The crash involved at least one semitrailer that caught fire, dispatchers confirmed. The semi that caught fire was reportedly carrying mulch, according to initial reports and dispatchers.
The fire had spread into the median of the highway and several fire crews from Preble County and Richmond were called to the scene, initial reports indicate.
The second crash was reported in the backup on I-70 west. Troopers said a semi truck was slowing for traffic just west of the state Route 503, when an SUV crashed into the back of it.
Zachary Purvis, 18, of Indianapolis, was a passenger in the SUV and died at the scene, according to troopers. The driver of the SUV, Dalton McCutcheon, 22, of Indianapolis, suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment on scene.
The semi driver was not hurt.
Troopers shut down I-70 at State Route 503 while they responded, but lanes reopened Thursday night.
©2022 Cox Media Group
