JASPER COUNTY — A truck driver was killed after three semis crashed on I-65 southbound in Jasper County Monday night.
According to Indiana State Police, the crash occurred at mile marker 218, just north of Rensselear at approximately 10 p.m.
Preliminary investigations suggest that traffic was slowed due to construction when a red bobtail tractor was stopped in the right lane. A blue semi-truck approached from behind at a high speed and swerved into the median to avoid a collision, striking a cable barrier in the process. Shortly afterward, another semi-truck traveling quickly collided with the rear of the red bobtail tractor.
This collision resulted in both the red bobtail tractor and the blue semi-truck catching fire. Tragically, the driver of the blue semi was trapped inside and died at the scene; their identity has not yet been released.
The driver of the red bobtail tractor managed to escape before flames engulfed the vehicle.
As of noon, the road remains closed. Indiana State Police reported that one of the semis was hauling peat moss, which continues to reignite.
The fire caused significant damage to the roadway, requiring repairs before it can reopen.
Traffic is being diverted at S.R. 14 (exit 220). Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes including S.R. 55, U.S. 41, or U.S. 231.
Current view of the cleanup taking place- I-65 SB 218 mile-marker. SB lanes remain closed. @cbschicago @WISHNews8 @wrtv @fox32news @FOX59 @nbcchicago @ABC7Chicago @WGNNews @WBBM1059Traffic @indiana105 @NWINews @RegionNewsNow @nwi @INDOTNorthwest pic.twitter.com/5Bla94ORrR
— Sgt. Glen Fifield (@ISPLowell2) August 5, 2025
