WHITLEY COUNTY — Indiana State Police are investigating a crash that claimed the lives of two individuals, including a 17-year-old, on Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 2:40 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a collision at the intersection of State Road 9 and County Road 500 North. Preliminary investigations reveal that a blue Dodge Avenger, carrying six occupants, was traveling south on SR 9 when it crossed into the northbound lane.
The Dodge collided with a black Ford F-350 pickup truck towing a trailer, which was traveling north. The driver of the Dodge, 17-year-old Helmin Ruiz of Huntington, and 40-year-old Trinidad Vasquez did not survive the incident.
The remaining passengers in the Dodge—20-year-old Jeremias Vazquez, 35-year-old Rolando Garcia, 59-year-old Jose Mena, and 31-year-old Auara Solano, all from Huntington—were transported to a local hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
The Ford F-350 was driven by 51-year-old JD Fishburn of Columbia City. Authorities did not provide information on his condition.
The crash remains under investigation by Indiana State Police.