One person dead after crash in Rochester Saturday

FULTON COUNTY, Ind. – One person has died following a crash on U.S. 31 on Saturday afternoon, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office reported.

At 2 p.m., deputies received reports of a three-vehicle crash at the U.S. 31 northbound lane and Old U.S. 31 (Southway 31).

A preliminary investigation shows that a tan GMC Sonoma, driven by 72-year-old James Rans of Rochester, was traveling northbound on Old U.S. 31 (Southway) when he crossed northbound U.S. 31 and was struck by a white Dodge Journey, according to reports.

The Journey struck the Sonoma on the passenger side of the vehicle, which rolled on its side, partially ejecting Rans.

Ran was pronounced dead at the scene.

The preliminary investigation also shows that Rans failed to yield the right of way and crossed into the path of the Journey, reports said.

It was determined that Rans was not wearing a seatbelt.

As a result of this crash, one or both vehicles then hit a southbound black passenger van.

The passenger van was stopped at the intersection waiting to cross the northbound lane.

A passenger in the van was injured as a result of the crash. She was flown by air ambulance to a Fort Wayne hospital and her condition is not available at this time.

The driver and passengers of the Journey and the driver of the passenger van were checked by medics on scene and were treated and released.

This crash remains under investigation.