A Bedford woman died after a semi-truck failed to yield to a red light on Indiana 37 in Judah, Indiana, according to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. At 6:45 p.m. northbound 37 was still shut down so the crash could be cleared.
Here is a press release from the LCSO:
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
On Wednesday, January 11th, at approximately 2:59pm, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office received, and responded to, a report of a serious crash at the intersection of SR 37 and Old SR 37 in Judah. Upon arrival, officers discovered that two vehicles were involved in the crash. One of the vehicles was a fully loaded concrete clinker semi, which was overturned in the northbound lanes of SR 37, just north of the intersection.
Preliminary investigations reveal that a 2013 tractor trailer combination semi, operated by Randall Schuyler (52 years old from Greenfield, IN) and owned by Blue Star Transport in Lebanon, was northbound on SR 37. A 2010 Nissan Altima, operated by Katrena Cunningham (64 years old of Bedford), was westbound on Old SR 37, at the stoplight. The traffic light turned green for the westbound Old SR 37 traffic, and the Nissan began to turn south (left) onto SR 37. The semi, which had a red light, failed to stop and drove through the intersection. The semi attempted to take evasive action, but collided with the Nissan. The impact forced the Nissan off the right side of northbound SR 37, while the semi overturned, partially in the median and partially in the northbound lanes of SR 37. Due to the inclimate weather with the rain and fog, an air ambulance could not respond to the scene. Both the driver of the Nissan, Mrs. Cunningham, and the driver of the semi, Mr. Shuyler, were transported to IU Health in Bloomington. Unfortunately, Mrs. Cunningham did not survive her injuries. Her family has been notified. There were no other occupants of either vehicle.
The Lawrence County Fatal Accident Crash Team responded to the scene to assist in the investigation and complete a crash reconstruction. In addition, the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division assisted both at the scene and with follow up inspections of the semi. Toxicology results on the drivers are pending.
The crash is being investigated by Detective Michael Ramos and Officer Brenton Trueblood. They were assisted by Lawrence County officers Sgt. Michael Williams, Major Brandon Blackwell, Captain Andrew Phillips, Detective Andrea Barnett, and Sheriff Greg Day.
Assisting agencies included Marshall Township Fire Department, Bedford Fire Department, Bedford Police Department, Indiana State Police, and IU Health Ambulance Service. Stone City Collision responded to tow the Nissan, while Bland’s Towing is currently working to upright and remove the semi. As of 6:45pm, northbound SR 37 is still blocked while crews work to remove the semi. The delay is expected to continue for quite some time.
