I-70 fatal crash victims identified

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - The victims of a fatal accident on I-70 near the 43 mile marker Friday evening have been identified.

The Indiana State Police and Putnam County Coroner’s Office have identified the victims to be a mother and daughter.

Emma Bronson, 49, of Pascagoula, Mississippi, and her daughter Zacchia Bronson,3, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Mrs. Bronson succumbed chest injuries and her daughter succumbed head injuries, according to a release.

The driver of the BMW, Michael Bronson, 47, was treated at IU Health Methodist Hospital for neck and back pain. Bronson is the father and husband to the victims. He has been released from the hospital.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, Jordan Moore, is still hospitalized at IU Health Methodist Hospital with extensive injuries, police say.

The driver of the pickup, William Bertelmann, is still at Methodist undergoing observation.

A preliminary investigation Friday revealed that eastbound traffic was stopped for construction  when a tractor pulling a box trailer failed to stop and struck a pickup in the rear. The pickup then overturned off the roadway. The tractor-trailer continued heading forward and struck the rear of the BMW which then burst into flames.

The investigation is still ongoing.

No citations have been issued.