Lake County-Indiana State Police Trooper Dan Becker responded to an early morning crash today that tied up traffic in both directions on I-65.

Preliminary investigation revealed that traffic was slowing down in the construction area on I-65 because of an earlier crash.  A 2005 Mack semi-garbage hauler, owned by Marina Cartage out of Chicago, did not slow down and hit a 2001 Dodge Ram pick-up that was directly ahead of him southbound at the 237 milemarker (this is approximately three miles south of the Lowell exit).  The Mack's driver identified as Wojciech Soblzak, 42 of Chicago, Illinois, stated he fell asleep.  The Ram's driver identified as Aaron Crownover, 27 of Valparaiso, was slowing down when the semi hit the rear of the dual axle car hauler trailer he was pulling that was loaded with seven (7) All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's).  The semi went to the right striking the guard rail as it rolled over onto its side.  The garbage hauler and its trailer went into the ditch on the west side.  Part of its contents (garbage) was lost.  The pick-up after being hit was pushed into the concrete median construction barrier wall that separates the north and south bound lanes.  The barrier was pushed into the north bound side of traffic.  A bull-dozer was brought to move the barrier back into position.  Traffic northbound was completely shut down for a half an hour (1/2) for this process.  Traffic southbound was completely closed for over an hour and a half (1 ½) for removal of the pick-up and ATV's, clean-up of the road and placement of the barrier wall. 

No one was injured.

Agencies Assisting:  Lake County Sheriff's Department and Indiana Department of Transportation.

Traffic Advisory: 

Traffic southbound will be closed at approximately 10:00 p.m. tonight for removal of the semi-garbage hauler.  Removal is scheduled for later tonight when traffic is lighter and will impact traffic the least.  If you plan traveling south, farther than the Lowell exit, expect traffic in this area to be slowed/stopped.  Please use alternate travel routes.  Expected closure time is approximately two (2) hours.

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