Four sent to hospital after semi-truck driver crashes into cars in Johnson County

JOHNSON COUNTY — Four people were hospitalized after a crash involving a semi-truck and five other vehicles on State Road 37 in Johnson County, Tuesday morning.

According to Sheriff Duane Burgess, a semi-truck driver crashed into several cars on State Road 37 near Smith Valley Road around 7:15 a.m.

Three people were taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital and one person was transported to St. Francis Hospital. All four individuals are being treated for injuries that are not life-threatening, according to Burgess.

Northbound traffic on State Road 37 was closed for six hours as far south as State Road 144. Southbound traffic was also backed up.

According to the sheriff, the driver of the semi-tractor trailer, Daniel R. Graham of Petersburg, was northbound State Road 37/69 approaching Smith Valley Road. Vehicles were slowed or stopped for the traffic light at Smith Valley Road. Graham was distracted and was unable to stop, striking several vehicles from behind.

Burgess said the White River Fire Department had to free occupants from the vehicles.