ALLEN COUNTY — Ten children and their mother were sent to the hospital after a suspected drunk driver crashed into their pickup truck late Monday near Fort Wayne, tearing it in half in the process, police say.
Indiana state troopers found the pickup "literally split in two pieces" as they responded about 7:15 p.m. to the intersection of U.S. 27 and Hoagland Road, which is south of Fort Wayne, according to a news release from Indiana State Police.
Meanwhile, a Ford with the second driver was spotted with heavy front-end damage in a side ditch.
The children's ages ranged from 6 months to 15 years old. All ten of them and their mother had their seatbelts on, according to the release.
Police said some of the children suffered minor injuries, but all were taken to the hospital, as well as their mother, a 41-year-old Auburn woman, and the other driver, a 65-year-old Hoagland man.
"... Proper seatbelt restraints coupled with properly deployed airbag technology in the van were the keys to serious injury prevention," the release states.
Police say the Ford's driver may have been intoxicated and was "less than cooperative" with troopers at the crash scene.
"... The portion of the investigation related to alcohol impairment will be turned over to the Allen County Prosecutor for review of submitted evidence and determination of possible charges, which would be filed at a later date," the release states.
As of Tuesday, online court records showed formal charged hadn't been filed.
-
2-year-old dies after house fire on Indianapolis' south side
A 2-year-old boy who was rescued from a house fire on Indy's south side Saturday night has died from his injuries, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department.
New ‘Fever Confidence’ leadership program empowers local high school seniors
A brand-new leadership program designed to build confidence and empower young women tipped off Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Man arrested in deadly northwest side shooting
One person is dead following a shooting on the city's west side Saturday evening, according to Indianapolis Police.
Airlines add championship flights as Indiana celebrates big win
IU football fans have another reason to celebrate, as multiple airlines are scrambling to add flights to help Hoosiers get to Miami for the championship game.