Putnam County---This morning at 10:18, Putnam County Central Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a traffic crash involving Indiana Department of Transportation workers and one vehicle. The crash occurred in the eastbound lane of US 36 approximately one-half mile west of County Road 600 West.

Preliminary investigation revealed that INDOT workers were conducting preventative roadway maintenance by removing dirt and debris from the roadway edges. Eastbound traffic was stopped for an INDOT flagman when an eastbound white 2006 Toyota Matrix failed to stop and veered to the right in an apparent attempt to avoid a rear-end collision with stopped traffic. In doing so, the white Toyota struck the INDOT flagman propelling him onto the hood of the car and partially through the windshield. The flagman was standing on the south side of the roadway near the grass and not in the travel portion of the roadway. The worker was pronounced deceased at the scene by Putnam County Deputy Coroner Stephen Caulkins.

Deceased INDOT Employee:  Steven Overbay, age 27, of Roachdale, IN.  Employee of INDOT since 2007. His family has been notified.

Toyota Driver:  Cleve Scott, age 79, of Rockville, IN.  Transported to Methodist Hospital for arm fracture and lacerations.

Toyota Passenger:  Aldene Smith, age 75, Rockville, IN.  (Sister of driver.)  Not injured.

ISP investigators determined there were five signs deployed by INDOT to warn oncoming traffic of the flagman and construction. Mr. Overbay was wearing his required high visibility reflective vest at the time of impact.

The crash is under investigation by ISP Senior Trooper Jason Schoffstall and ISP Crash Re-constructionist Sergeant Jim Cody. Assisting were other ISP troopers, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, Putnam County Operation Life, Bainbridge Fire/Rescue and Roachdale PMH.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the ISP report will be submitted to the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Questions concerning the ISP investigation, please direct to Sergeant Joe Watts.

Questions concerning INDOT procedures and policies please direct to Debbie Calder 765-366-2539.