Crash involving two semi-trailers and a bus on toll road, 16 injured

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. – Multiple injuries were reported in crash on the Indiana Toll Road involving two semi-trailers and a passenger bus.

The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. in the westbound lane, just west of the CR 17 interchange.

The Elkhart Truth reports all 16 people who were injured on the bus, were taken to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

State police say as the two lanes of westbound traffic were merging about a mile before the construction zone, the driver of a semi-truck wasn’t paying enough attention and ran into the back of a bus, pushing it forward into a second semi-truck.

The bus, carrying 16 people, was a tour group traveling from Shanghai, China. Police say they were headed to Chicago, the last leg of their tour before heading home.

“We are extremely fortunate. With the situation between one of those small pass buses basically being between two semis we could be talking about a major, major tragedy right now and lucky we are only talking about complaints of pain,” says Trooper Ted Bohner.

The accident could have been much worse, Trooper Bohner says. He hopes other drivers take note, especially ahead of the fourth of July when the interstate will get busier.

“If you drive this stretch of road, it’s littered with skid marks and the majority of those are just drivers that aren’t paying attention. It’s something we’re seeing time and time again with the construction. On the interstates now you know the traffic is going to be heavier so just pay attention expecting traffic to slow suddenly or stop,” says Trooper Bohner.

The driver of the semi-truck will likely be cited for speeding in the construction zone and officers say he could face a fine of $450.