ISP: SUV slams into another SUV after it crashes into trash truck

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

An early morning three-vehicle crash involving a trash truck and two SUVs in southern Vigo County sent two victims to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

•  The trash truck driver -- Shawn Ransford, 53, of Carlisle --  was transported to a local hospital after reportedly suffering hip, chest and head injuries in the crash.
• Douglas Springer , 54, of Terre Haute, was also transported to a local hospital after reportedly suffering lower leg and chest injuries in the crash.

Indiana State Police 1st Sgt. Matt Mischler responded to the crash in the northbound lanes of US 41 at Oregon Church Road just before 6 a.m. today.

Sgt. Joe Watts explained that a 2012 GMC Acadia, driven by Blaze Pollard, 33, of Greenwood, struck Ransford's 2014 Peterbuilt Republic Services refuse truck in the rear end, just as Ransford  was attempting to turn east onto Oregon Church Road from US 41.

Pollard's vehicle lost its lights in the crash and was stopped in the northbound travel portion of US 41 when Springer's vehicle then struck it. 

"As Ransford exited his vehicle to assist Pollard, a 2005 Buick Rendezvous, (driven by Springer) did not see the disabled GMC on US 41 in the darkness and struck the GMC in the rear," Watts said, adding that the impact, forced the GMC into  Ransford as he was standing at the GMC, assisting Pollard. 

Pollard did not report  injuries at the scene; however. he was cited for speed too fast to avoid a collision and no vehicle insurance, Watts said.

 ISP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Master Trooper Matt Ames, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Honey Creek Fire/Rescue, Riley Fire/EMS and Trans Care EMS assisted at the scene.

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