The driver of the Chrysler van disregarded the red traffic light causing the driver of the pickup truck to hit the van, spinning it around and then hitting the semitractor. Five people, including three children, suffered minor injuries. InkFreeNews photo by Deb Patterson

News Release

NEW PARIS — Five people, including three children, suffered minor injuries in a three-vehicle collision at US 6 and SR 15, north of Milford. The collision occurred at 3:08 p.m. today, Thursday, March 18. The roadway was shut down for approximately an hour during the investigation by police.

Brian Mikel, 67, New Paris, complained of shoulder pain and Danyell Fife, 47, Fort Wayne, complained of body pain. Daniel Bontrager, 4, Syracuse; Elmer Bontrager, 3, Syracuse; and Cayden Bontrager, 1, Syracuse, all suffered head pain. Authorities do not indicate of the five were transported to area hospitals.

Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office report Fifer was stopped in her 2009 International semi, facing southbound on SR 15 waiting to turn east onto US 6. Mikel, driving a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, was northbound on SR 15 approaching the intersection, when Shirley Bontrager, 32, Syracuse, disregarded the red traffic signal and proceeded into the intersection. Bontrager was westbound. Mikel’s truck struck the driver’s side of Bontrager’s 2008 Chrysler Town and Country van. After impact the van spun around and the passenger side collided with the front of the semitractor.

Milford and New Paris Fire Departments and New Paris EMS responded with officers from the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.

Milford Fireman Bruce Hunsberger, shown with the flag, was among the firefighters from Milford and New Paris directing the backed up traffic and assisting at the scene. InkFeeNews Photo by Deb Patterson