LAGRANGE, Ind. (WISH) — A 67-year-old man was fatally injured in a five-vehicle crash on U.S. 20 in LaGrange County Wednesday afternoon, according to Indiana State Police (ISP).
At approximately 2:45 p.m., ISP troopers responded to the incident near County Road 350 West. Investigators reported that a silver Kia, driven by Crystal Williams, 41, from Mishawaka, was stopped westbound on U.S. 20, followed by a blue Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by David Zinkie, 67, of LaGrange. A maroon Chrysler Pacifica, driven by Melinda Smith, 35, also from LaGrange, was stopped behind the motorcycle due to ongoing construction that had traffic at a standstill.
Authorities said that a semitractor trailer, driven by Charles Allen, 42, of Wawaka, did not stop and collided with the maroon Chrysler Pacifica. This impact pushed the Pacifica into the motorcycle and subsequently into oncoming traffic, striking a white Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck driven by Ronald Warren, 46, of Knox.
Smith and Warren sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and released. Zinkie was seriously injured and airlifted to Parkview Regional Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The Allen County Coroner's Office confirmed his identity and notified his family.
The incident remains under investigation by Indiana State Police.