Two-vehicle collision in Elkhart causes injuries

ELKHART, Ind. – A collision involving two vehicles occurred Friday evening in Elkhart.

US 6 between CR 9 and CR 11 is currently closed due to a 2 car collision. The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Dept is currently on scene investigating.

— Elkhart Co Sheriff (@ecsdnews) September 15, 2018

According to the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office, a collision was reported at approximately 11:33 p.m. involving a 2002 Buick Century and a 2011 Chevy Volt.

Police say Marvin Whitener of Elkhart, Indiana was traveling westbound in a 2002 Buick Century on U.S. 6 while a 2011 Chevy Volt driven by Marvin Whiteacre of Cromwell, Indiana was traveling eastbound on U.S. 6. 

Whiteacre passed a vehicle which caused Whitener to depart from the roadway, officials say.

Whitener was unable to gain control of his vehicle and returned to the roadway striking Whiteacre head-on in the eastbound lane as he veered left of center, police say.

Whitener was thrown from the vehicle and suffered severe head trauma. He was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital.

Authorities say Whitener was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Whiteacre rotated several times and veered off the roadway south of U.S. 6 suffering shoulder pain resulting from seat belt restraint. Whiteacre's passenger, 58-year-old Jenice Whiteacre, complained of rib and spine pain, authorities say.

The Whiteacres were transported to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment.

Authorities say Whiteacre and his passenger, Jenice, were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

Both vehicles, authorities say, suffered heavy front-end damage.

Responding units included Nappanee EMS, Elkhart County Sheriff's unit and Nappanee Police.

U.S. 6 was closed temporarily between CR 9 and CR 11 to allow for cleanup crews. The road has since reopened.