UPDATE: Numerous Patients In Crash
UPDATE: The Kosciusko County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team are continuing their investigation today into a Tuesday evening crash that injured five people, two of them seriously. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor.
The head-on crash was reported shortly after 6 p.m. along County Farm Road, south of CR 350 South. Rescue personnel located five injured individuals at the scene, including one man who was lying in the road and a woman trapped inside a pickup truck.
John J. Etter, 60, of Huntington, was the driver of a car that crossed the center line and caused the collision. He was lying in the road and was airlifted from the scene to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne via Lutheran Air. Etter reportedly sustained serious hip and chest injuries.
Firefighters of the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory extricated the passenger of the second vehicle, Maxine J. Spangle, 51, of Claypool. She was also airlifted from the scene and transported to Lutheran Hospital in serious condition with leg injuries.
Spangle was with her husband, Gary L. Spangle, 43, and her two children in the truck. Gary received minor injuries to his lower leg/foot area. Also injured in the Spangle vehicle were Hunter Haines, 15, and Madison Haines, 14, both of Claypool.
Gary Spangle and Hunter and Madison Haines were all taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital for treatment. Madison suffered bruising to her face, chest, arms and hip. She and Gary were released from the hospital late last night while Hunter was transferred to Lutheran Hospital for further evaluation.
Kosciusko County F.A.C.T./crash investigation team members stated that initial investigations concluded Etter had been driving his car southbound on County Farm Road when he crossed the center line. Gary Spangle was northbound when he observed Etter driving into his lane. Spangle attempted to swerve, but could not avoid the collision.
The crash is still under investigation pending legal blood test results as mandated by state law, but according to an incident report completed by a KCSD officer, alcohol does appear to have a factor in the accident.
Also assisting on scene were Winona Lake Fire Department and Multi-Township EMS.
BREAKING: There are numerous confirmed injuries in an accident that has occurred on South County Farm Road, Warsaw.
Law enforcement officials, medics with Multi-Township EMS and firefighters from Warsaw and Winona Lake are responding. Lutheran Air has also been called and is en route for at least one patient. A second helicopter has also been called to the scene.
Authorities on scene say the accident was a head-on crash with “major impact.”
We have a reporter headed to the scene and will have an update as soon as possible.