JOHNSON COUNTY — Following a serious crash involving five cars and one semi, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure people are staying safe when driving through construction zones.
The crash this morning on State Road 37 landed four people to the hospital and shut down a portion of the highway for six hours.
Two of the people involved in that accident were BilleJo Tilford's grandparents. She said both are currently in the hospital with serious injuries. She has a message for people traveling in construction zones.
"I almost lost two of the greatest people in my life because of a cell phone,” Tilford said. “So just slow down there is no rush. If you need to leave sooner then leave sooner if you have to be somewhere at a certain time."
The Johnson County Sheriff Duane Burgess echoed that sentiment.
"Everybody needs to slow down it is clearly posted,” Burgess said. “They have speed boards out there so that your speed is indicated other people can see it, you can see it mainly, but they need to slow down and travel a safe distance between everyone."
Burgess said it is believed the semi-driver who caused the crash was distracted. They didn’t say if the driver was distracted due to a cellphone, but that it’s too early to know if the semi-driver will be charged with anything. They will be turning all of their information over to the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office to determine the next steps.
The sheriff's office did add that none of the injuries are life-threatening.
As for Tilford’s grandparents, she said they have a long road to recovery, but she and her family are blessed they are still alive.
-
$10M Bezos Earth Fund grant to revamp Mozel Sanders park on Indy's west side
Reverend Mozel Sanders Park is getting a major transformation, backed by a $10 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund.
Former Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri to be inducted in team's Ring of Honor
Colts legend Adam Vinatieri will be inducted into the Ring of Honor during the Oct. 18 home game versus the Tennessee Titans.
IMPD seeks public's help to identify suspects connected to recent downtown crime
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the community's help to identify three people believed to be linked to recent criminal activity downtown.
Step up to the plate: Nearly 50 new foods will debut at 2026 Indiana State Fair
Batter up. Nearly 50 brand-new foods are making their debut at the 2026 Indiana State Fair's Taste of the Fair.
