A tragic crash on Interstate 65 in southern Indiana claimed the life of a 70-year-old woman from Indianapolis on Monday evening. The two-vehicle accident caused major traffic delays and left one lane of the highway closed for several hours as police investigated the scene.
Crash Occurs During Rush Hour Near Sellersburg
The deadly crash happened just before 5:30 p.m. on Monday near mile marker 10.2 on I-65 northbound, close to the Sellersburg exit in Clark County. According to the Indiana State Police (ISP) – Sellersburg, the crash involved a gray 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck and a blue 2019 Chevrolet Malibu.
Investigators say the crash occurred when the Ford pickup tried to merge left from the center lane. During the lane change, the truck hit the Malibu, and both vehicles were forced into the median dividing the northbound and southbound lanes.
Ford Pickup Rolls Over, Ejecting Passenger
The force of the crash caused the Ford F-150 to flip over and land in the fast lane on the southbound side. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Malibu ended up on the center guardrail. Tragically, 70-year-old Gloria Jean Jones, a passenger in the pickup truck, was ejected during the rollover.
Emergency crews rushed to help, but Jones was pronounced dead at the scene by the Clark County Coroner’s Office.
Other Drivers Survive With Minor or No Injuries
The driver of the Ford F-150 suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu did not suffer any injuries and was cleared at the scene.
Emergency Response and Road Closures
Police and emergency teams responded quickly. The Indiana State Police were assisted by the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Sellersburg Police, and Tri-Township Fire and Rescue. The crash reconstruction team from the ISP Sellersburg Post led the investigation.
Due to the severity of the crash, all lanes of I-65 were shut down for nearly three hours. The highway reopened to traffic around 8:30 p.m.
This unfortunate accident is a reminder of how quickly road conditions can turn deadly, especially during lane changes and high-speed travel. While the investigation continues, authorities urge all drivers to stay alert and cautious behind the wheel. The loss of Gloria Jean Jones has left a deep impact on her family and community, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
