This afternoon at 12:15 p.m., Master Trooper Jeff Council was dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash with reported injuries on I-94 west of the Michigan State Line. This area of interstate is posted with orange construction warning signs of a construction zone/lane closure that is underway in Michigan.
Preliminary investigation by M/Trooper Council shows that three vehicles were eastbound near the 44 mile-marker. Vehicle #3, the Toyota Highlander, was at a stop in traffic for the backup going into the lane restriction. Vehicle #2, the Honda Odyssey, was slowing to a stop behind the Toyota when it was rear-ended by Vehicle #1, the Volkswagen. This impact caused the Honda to travel into the south ditch. The Volkswagen then rear-ended the Toyota.
The drivers have been identified as follows:
- D1: Justin L. Gibson, driving a blue 2009 VW Routan
- D2: Rebecca A. Karsten, driving a green 1999 Honda Odyssey
- D3: Nicole Cantello, driving a black 2008 Toyota Highlander
Ms. Karsten was flown to South Bend Memorial hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The other drivers refused medical treatment. The roadway was closed in both directions for a brief amount of time for landing and takeoff of the air ambulance. Mr. Gibson was cited for Driving While Suspended.
Assisting at the scene was the LaPorte County Sheriff's Department, LaPorte County EMS, Springfield Twp. Fire Department, Trooper Brandon Lankford and Ace Autobody
*Pics 1&2- Honda Odyssey
*Pic 3- VW Routan
*All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court*
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