UPDATE: According to a press release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, a preliminary investigation by the Kosciusko County F.A.C.T. Team indicates at approximately 5:14 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, a 2005 Chrysler driven by Jaqueline M. Dominguez, 34, Nappanee, was traveling southbound on State Road 15 approaching the intersection of 600 North.

Melinda G. Powell, 45, Leesburg, driving a 2002 Pontiac, was also southbound on SR 15 and slowed to turn east onto 600 North. Dominguez struck the rear of Powell’s vehicle, causing it to cross into the northbound lane of SR 15.

Dominguez’s vehicle collided, “virtually head-on,” with a 2001 Ford SUV driven by Shaina E. Harrell, 25, Warsaw. Leesburg Fire Department and Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory had to extricate Dominguez and Powell from their respective vehicles.

Dominguez was transported from the scene to Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, in serious condition. Powell was taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital in fair condition, and Harrell was airlifted from the scene by Parkview Samaritan and taken to Memorial Hospital of South Bend in very serious condition.

The Kosciusko County F.A.C.T. Team was assisted at the scene by the Leesburg/Plain Township Fire Department, Warsaw/Wayne Township Fire Territory, Multi-Township E.M.S., and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. The crash is still under investigation, pending legal toxicology results on all drivers as required by Indiana law.

INITIAL REPORT: Emergency personnel are currently responding to an accident at SR 15 and CR 600N. A driver has been extricated by emergency personnel and a helicopter has landed at the scene.

Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

“Good Samaritan landed a few minutes ago…” Photo by Sarah Trier