Vigo County---This afternoon at 1:03, Indiana State Police troopers and Vigo County emergencies responded to a two-vehicle crash in the northbound lanes of US 41 just north of Harlan Drive. The crash was near a railroad crossing just north of Harlan Drive and sent one driver to the hospital.

Preliminary investigation revealed northbound US 41 traffic was stopped for a train approaching from the west. Stopped in the passing lane was a gray, 2011, Hyundai passenger car driven by 57-year-old Denise A. Ricketts of Jasonville, Indiana. The Hyundai was struck in the rear by a red, 1983, Ford, F 150, driven by 20-year-old, Kade Michael King of Dugger, Indiana. The rear-end collision forced the Hyundai onto the RR tracks in front of the oncoming train. Ms. Ricketts, with back and neck injuries, was able to regain her composure and accelerate her damaged vehicle off of the tracks.

Mrs. Ricketts was extricated from her vehicle by Honey Creek Fire/Rescue and transported to Terre Haute Regional Hospital for treatment of neck, back, and rib injuries. The injuries are believed to be non-life threatening and seatbelt was in use.

Kade Michael King, uninjured, was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and seatbelt not in use. A passenger in the King vehicle, 42-year-old, Cheryl Sue Pickard of Brazil, IN. was slightly injured but refused medical treatment.

Impaired driving did not play a role in this crash.

The crash was investigated by ISP Master Trooper Hans Nowak. Assisting were ISP Troopers Shilo Raulston, Jason Owen and Joe Watts; Honey Creek Fire/Rescue and Trans Care EMS.

Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.