Hendricks County-Early this morning, at approximately 7:36 am, Indiana State Police responded to a crash on I-70 eastbound, at the 57 mile marker, where a semi driver lost his life.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a white International tractor pulling a trailer was disabled east bound on the right shoulder at the 57 mile marker (this is one mile west of State Road 39). That vehicle was in the process of being towed by a 2003 white and green Peterbuilt wrecker, from Curtis Wrecker Service. Investigators stated traffic was slowing down and moving over when a 2003 green Freightliner tractor pulling two trailers approached the scene. According to witness accounts, the vehicle, driven by Richard C. Maples, 60, Wilmington, OH, was allegedly going faster than the other vehicles near the scene.

The driver of the disabled semi and the wrecker operator were standing between their vehicles when the Freightliner’s second trailer jackknifed, striking the semi from behind and pushing the semi forward into the wrecker.  The driver of the disabled semi was pinned.  The wrecker operator was able to jump from between the vehicles. 

The Hendricks County Coroner pronounced the driver of the disabled semi dead at the scene.  Family notification is pending. 

The wrecker driver has been identified as Joshua D. Sims, 30 of Cloverdale, IN and suffered lower body injuries.  He is the wrecker operator for Curtis Wrecker Service, from Hendricks County.

The driver of the tractor pulling the double trailers, Richard Maples was injured too. At this time its unknown what injuries he suffered. All were taken to Wishard Hospital.

At this point, I-70 is still closed at the crash location. There is wood resurfacing material on the road along with other various non-hazardous cargo. Traffic is being diverted from eastbound I-70 to US 231 north to US 40.  There’s not an estimated time on when the interstate will return to normal use.