Fatal wreck closes westbound I-865

BOONE COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - A flat tire is being blamed as a major contributing factor for Friday morning’s deadly crash along Interstate 65 at Interstate 865.

Boone County Sheriff’s Deputies say a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix had a flat tire and was traveling slowly in the far right lane when it was stuck by a 2006 Ford F-250 traveling at interstate speed.

The impact propelled the Grand Prix across a grassy area and into merging northbound traffic from I-865. The car was then struck by a second vehicle.

Deputies say 73-year-old Sterling Russell, a passenger in the Grand Prix, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We need to learn from this tragedy,” said Boone County Sheriff Ken Campbell, “If you are having trouble with your vehicle, get off the traveled portion of the roadway onto the shoulder. Driving very slowly, even with the emergency flashers on, on the roadway, is dangerous. You can always call 911 if you are stranded on the highway and law enforcement will come and assist in some manner.