Two men hurt in semi crash

FULTON COUNTY, Ind. - The Indiana State Police released the following crash report Sunday night.

This morning, at approximately 8:35 a.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department responded to a single vehicle crash on State Road 25, near Fulton County Road 850 South, which injured two Austin, IN, men.

The preliminary investigation by Master Trooper Ron Whitney revealed that Stephen Rogers, 43, Austin, IN, was driving a 2001 International semi-tractor, pulling a tanker trailer, southbound on State Road 25 near County Road 850 South. The semi-tractor traveled partially off the west side of State Road 25 and rolled onto the passenger’s side. Investigators are trying to determine if a northbound passenger car crossed the centerline, causing Rogers to take evasive action by traveling partially off the two lane road.  

Rogers was transported by ambulance to Rochester’s Woodlawn Hospital with a complaint of shoulder and neck pain. A passenger in the semi-tractor, John Hurt, 28, Austin, IN, was airlifted from the crash scene by Samaritan Helicopter. He was flown to Ft. Wayne’s Parkview Hospital with fractures in his neck and back. Both occupants were wearing seat belts which Master Trooper Whitney believed helped reduce the severity of the injuries suffered in the crash. Neither the use of alcohol nor narcotics is suspected as having contributed to the crash.

Rogers was hauling milk for Nimeyer Milk Transport based in Cedar Lake, IN. Some milk did spill onto the road.

Anyone who might have information about this crash should contact Master Trooper Ron Whitney by calling 1-765-473-6666.