A three-vehicle crash on I-65 Saturday afternoon sent six people— five from one Northern Indiana family— to the hospital. The accident occurred around 4 p.m. in the southbound lane of I-65 near the 38 mile marker near Crothersville.
According to Indiana State Trooper Matt Holley, a 2015 Kia Forte being driven Ernest J. Pagels, Jr., 53, of Waukesha, WI, was traveling southbound on the interstate when, for an unknown reason, his vehicle suddenly slowed. A southbound 2012 Dodge van, being driven by April K. Bickel, 41, of Elwood, IN swerved to avoid striking Pagels’ vehicle. Bickel’s van was then struck in the rear by a 2004 Mercury sedan being driven by Jeffery L. Ireland, 59, of Concord, NC.
Holley reported as a result of the collision, Ireland was treated for minor injuries. Bickel was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of her injuries. The extent of her injuries was not made available.
The four children in Bickel’s vehicle all suffered serious injuries. An 8 year-old female, 6 year-old female, and 2 year-old male were all air lifted to Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, KY for treatment of critical life-threatening injuries. A 4 year-old female in Bickel’s vehicle was transported to Kosair Children’s Hospital by Jackson County EMS for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash at this time, Holley reported.
The southbound lanes of I-65 were closed for approximately two hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
Holley was assisted at the scene by the Jackson Sheriff’s Department, Crothersville-Vernon Township Fire Department, and Jackson County EMS.
