Multiple agencies responded to a single-vehicle fatal accident involving a truck tanker west of Nappanee on Friday afternoon, May 24. Photos provided by Ryan Einhaus.

Press Release

NAPPANEE — The Indiana State Police is assisting the Nappanee Police Department and Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office with a fatal crash that occurred early Friday afternoon in Nappanee.

Around 12:55 p.m. Friday, May 24, officers with the Nappanee Police Department and an ISP trooper responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash on Tomahawk Trail near ATC Trailers.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a straight truck tanker was traveling south on Tomahawk Trail when it is believed the truck ran off the road to the right and lost control. As the truck came back onto the road, the truck rolled onto the right side and continued to slide south. As the truck slid, it caught on fire and spun around, coming to rest facing north in the northbound lane. The truck’s driver was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Elkhart County Coroner’s Office.

The Elkhart County Coroner will make positive identification of the driver following an autopsy.

The Nappanee Fire Department, Bremen Fire Department, and Elkhart Fire Department all responded to get the large fire under control. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management also responded due to the truck’s cargo of flammable material.

This is an ongoing crash investigation and there is no other information to be released currently.

The truck’s driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.