Vigo County--This morning at 10:00, Indiana State Police troopers responded to motor vehicle crash in the eastbound passing lane of Interstate 70 near the 18 mile marker. The driving lane was closed for construction.

Preliminary investigation by ISP Trooper Ted Robertson revealed a black 2012 Ford Focus, driven by Bradley D. Smith, age 42, of Terre Haute, IN., was eastbound in the construction zone behind an unidentified tractor-trailer. As traffic began to slow, Smith was struck in the rear by a 2010 Freightliner tractor pulling a box trailer and driven by John C. Carson, age 65, of Brantford, Ontario. The impact then forced the Ford Focus into the rear of the unidentified tractor-trailer which continued eastbound and was never located. Carson was driving for Celadon Canada, Inc. No injuries were reported and Carson was issued a citation for following too closely.

Putnam County--At 10:45A.M., ISP Troopers and Putnam County emergency agencies responded to a motorcycle crash in the eastbound lanes of I-70 near the 42 mile marker.

Preliminary investigation by ISP Senior Trooper Joe Rutledge has determined that John F. Ratcliff, age 59, of Newark, Ohio was eastbound on I-70 operating a black 2011 Harley Davidson when he suddenly and for an unknown reason veered into the median and crashed. Ratcliff was not wearing a helmet and was transported by Putnam County Operation Life to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of head and internal injuries. His injuries are believed to be significant, but not life threatening. Assisting were other ISP troopers, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Operation Life, Cloverdale Fire/Rescue.

NOTE: There were three crashes in the eastbound lanes of I-70 within an approximate five hour span. It is important to note that all three crashes were driver error and not caused by the construction zone. The first crash was the previous news release involving a tractor-trailer.