In a tragic turn of events early Saturday morning, a wrong-way collision on Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana has claimed the life of one woman and left two others with serious injuries. The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. near Merrillville, as reported by the Indiana State Police.
The crash involved a 29-year-old woman who was driving a silver 2022 Toyota in the wrong direction, heading southbound on the northbound lanes of the highway. In a devastating head-on collision, she struck a 2016 Ford traveling in the far-left lane.
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The impact was fatal for the Ford’s driver, 20-year-old Rylee Hanson from Hobart, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The tragic loss has left the community in mourning.
Inside the Ford, a female passenger also sustained serious injuries. She was promptly transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have not yet released her age.
The driver of the Toyota, believed to be impaired at the time of the crash, required extrication by local fire personnel. She was then airlifted to a hospital in Chicago, where she remains in critical condition, fighting for her life.
This incident underscores the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have, reminding us all of the critical importance of road safety.
I-65 was temporarily shut down in both directions. All lanes have since reopened.
No charges have been filed, ISP said, and the investigation is ongoing.
ISP asked anyone with footage of the crash or the vehicles prior to the crash to contact Trooper Somerville at 219-696-6242.
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