CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Update: A semi-driver was transported via helicopter after a malfunction caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and catch fire along Interstate 70, resulting in traffic backup.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames, a semi had been traveling eastbound on I-70 near the 18-mile marker on Wednesday afternoon when the vehicle had a tire blow. The blown tire caused the semi-driver to leave the roadway and go into the woods.
Ames noted that the semi then caught fire and the driver had to be extracted from the vehicle by the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department and was taken to an Indianapolis hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Ames noted that INDOT was also present and responded to the scene.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible and to use caution when traveling near the scene.
Original: A single-vehicle crash has caused a lane of traffic to be shut down on Interstate 70.
According to Indiana State Police, the crash occurred at the 18 mile marker of I-70 eastbound. As a result of the crash, officials have shut down the right lane of traffic while crews work to clear the scene.
A WTWO photographer reported that someone was flown from the scene by helicopter.
There has been no word on the number people injured or the severity of those injuries.
Drivers are asked to slow down and be alert when traveling through the area for their own safety and for the safety of emergency responders on the scene.
This is a developing story, follow MyWabashValley.com for updates as they become available.
