Traffic congestion from I-65 roadwork helped to contribute to a crash in northern Vernon Township which killed an Austin woman last Thursday, May 29.
Killed in the two-car crash was Debra Coomer, 55, of Austin.
According to ISP Sgt. Mark Helms the southbound lane of I-65 had been closed at Seymour due to bridge repairs resulting in traffic being diverted to US 31. Southbound traffic on US 31 had backed up from Uniontown to north of County Road 50 N at New Hope church when the crash occurred at 5 p.m.
A 2008 Toyota Corolla driven by 58-year-old Thomas Coomer of Austin was on CR 50N waiting to turn left and go north on U.S. 31. As southbound traffic was stopped, a semi driver motioned for Coomer to pull out, Helms reported.
Coomer pulled out in front of the semi and continued into the northbound lane of U.S. 31 and was struck broadside by a northbound 2005 Chevrolet Uplander van driven by Timothy Brock, 60, of Seymour.
Coomer’s wife, Debra Coomer, the front seat passenger in the Toyota, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thomas Coomer and Brock both suffered minor injuries and were transported to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour to be treated.
Assisting at the scene were Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Crothersville-Vernon Township Fire Department, and the Jackson County Coroner’s Office.
