1 dead in LaPorte County semi crash
LAPORTE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – A truck driver lost his life in a fiery crash on the Indiana Toll Road Monday afternoon.
Preliminary investigation shows, around 3:15 Monday, a semitrailer hauling brownies was traveling east in the right lane on the Toll Road. At mile marker 42, which is two miles from the U.S. 421 Exit, the semi was rear-ended. The semi, driven by 38-year-old Orville McDougall of Riviera Beach, Florida, was stopped because of backed up traffic due to construction ahead in the area.
McDougall’s rig was hit by a second semitrailer carrying paper goods, driven by 36-year-old Kwame Lawson of Calumet City, Illinois. Authorities said Lawson failed to slow down/stop and ran into McDougall’s trailer.
Lawson’s rig caught fire and became engulfed, trapping him inside. Lawson was pronounced dead at the scene by the La Porte County Coroner. Family has been notified.
McDougall was taken to Franciscan St. Anthony’s Health Hospital in Michigan City for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
The interstate was closed for hours for cleanup and reconstruction.