Shelbyville teen killed in I-74 crash

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A Shelbyville teen died and two other people were injured Friday afternoon in a crash that closed westbound Interstate 74 near Acton Road for nearly four hours.

All westbound and one eastbound lane was closed as a result of the crash, which happened just before 2:30 p.m. By about 6:10 p.m., according to the Indiana Department of Transportation, all but one of the westbound lanes had been reopened.

Indianapolis Fire Department said a Pontiac Grand Am with three people inside was eastbound on I-74 when, according to witnesses, the driver lost control while trying to avoid debris on the roadway. Indiana State Police said the debris was a vehicle bumper was lying in the roadway.

The car sideswiped an SUV as it tried to avoid the debris, then crossed into the westbound lanes, where it hit a semi tractor-trailer, driven by Tom Coppess, 47. Both Coppess and the driver of the SUV were unhurt in the crash.

The driver of the Grand Am, Katrina Collins, 18, Shelbyville, was thrown from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. IFD was called in to free the two passengers, which they were able to do within about 20 minutes. One, Melissa Collins, 20, sister of Katrina, was taken in critical condition via medical helicopter to IU Health Methodist Hospital. The other, Brady Phares, 21, Shelbyville, was taken in critical condition via ambulance to Methodist.