Fiery fatal crash shuts down I-74

SHELBY COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - A deadly crash closed part of I-74 eastbound in Shelby County Thursday afternoon, and officials say it won’t open until around noon Friday.

The crash, involving a semi hauling diesel fuel, happened around 3:30 PM Thursday at mile marker 105, between Indianapolis and Shelbyville.

The semi driver was killed in the crash.

Officials say the semi was heading eastbound in the right lane, next to a passenger car driven by a 71-year-old man from Carmel.

Photos | Semi truck fire fills sky with smoke

Witnesses tell Indiana State Police it appeared the semi sideswiped the passenger car, then over corrected to the right, hitting the guardrail. The driver then steered back to the left, sliding into the median. The semi-tractor turned on its side, causing the tanker trailer to flip over, land on the road, and burst into flames.

The driver wasn’t able to escape, and died at the scene.

Those living along the frontage road near London Road say they’ve never seen an accident like that one, even living near the highway.

“It was just terrible, just big black smoke and flames everywhere,” said Lora Anderson. “I was sitting in my front room and I heard a big boom… I called 911 as soon as I could, I tried to get them out here.. but it just kept blowing up, blowing up. I just hope god is with his family right now, because the tanker didn’t make it.”

Police say the passenger car originally side swiped by the semi came to rest in the median near the tractor trailer.

That Carmel man was able to escape the blaze of the semi truck unhurt.

“He was actually seen coming out of the smoke, but he is okay, no injuries to the car driver,” said Sgt. Richard Myers, with Indiana State Police.

Officials haven't yet identified the driver of the semi. They hope to do so during an autopsy that is scheduled for tomorrow.

Because the flames were so hot, officials have to replace the portion of the roadway involved in the crash. Traffic is being detoured onto London Road at the 105 mm and south on North Michigan Road to the 109 mm exit. Motorists will be able to enter EB I-74 at the 109 mm.