Fatal Crash in LaGrange County: Semi Collides with Vehicles Stopped in Construction Zone
LaGrange County, IN – A devastating accident on Wednesday afternoon left one man dead and several others injured when a semi-truck plowed into vehicles that were stopped for construction on U.S. 20 near County Road 350W. The crash occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m., according to a press release from the Indiana State Police (ISP).
Chain-Reaction Collision
Investigators determined that David Zinke of LaGrange was stopped on his motorcycle in the westbound lanes, waiting between a Kia and a Chrysler SUV, as traffic slowed for the construction zone. Moments later, tragedy struck when an approaching semi-truck failed to stop, colliding with the Chrysler from behind.
The force of the impact pushed the Chrysler into Zinke’s motorcycle, crushing it between the vehicles. The Chrysler was then propelled into the eastbound lanes, where it collided with an oncoming pickup truck. The crash created a chaotic scene, leaving multiple people injured and one life tragically lost.
Casualties and Injuries
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and immediately began assisting the victims.
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The drivers of the Kia and the Chrysler were transported to a nearby hospital. They were later treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.
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David Zinke, however, sustained critical injuries from the crash. He was airlifted by medical helicopter to a hospital in Fort Wayne, but despite life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not released the identity of the semi-truck driver or the driver of the pickup truck involved in the secondary collision.
Ongoing Investigation
The Indiana State Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the crash, including why the semi failed to stop as traffic slowed for construction. Crash reconstruction teams worked at the scene for several hours, documenting evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Traffic along U.S. 20 was heavily impacted in both directions while first responders cleared the wreckage and ensured the safety of the area. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes, and the roadway was reopened later in the evening once the scene had been processed.
Community Mourning
News of Zinke’s death has struck the LaGrange community with sadness. Friends and family describe him as a kind-hearted individual whose life was tragically cut short. His passing underscores the dangers motorcyclists face on roadways, particularly in construction and traffic-stop areas where visibility and reaction times are critical.
Road Safety Reminder
Authorities are using this tragedy as a reminder of the importance of remaining alert on the road, reducing speed in construction zones, and maintaining safe distances behind stopped vehicles. Large commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, require significantly more distance to stop safely, and failure to account for this can have devastating consequences.
Final Thoughts
As the investigation continues, one thing remains clear: a community has lost a valued member in David Zinke, and several others endured trauma in a crash that could have been prevented. The Indiana State Police urge anyone who may have additional information about the incident to contact their office.
