Indianapolis - A mid morning crash and resulting explosion shut down traffic in both directions of  I-465 today near its intersection with I-69. South bound traffic on I-69 was also re-routed as a result of the crash.  

A semi tanker truck owned by Amerigas Propane LLC of Lima, Ohio, and loaded with propane was involved in the crash. The driver of the tanker, Ronald J. Tobias age 73 of Syracuse, Indiana, lost control on the ramp traveling from southbound I-69 to southbound I-465. The semi, a 2006 International semi tractor pulling a propane tank, rolled over after the driver lost control. The resulting roll over caused the tractor to catch fire and the propane tank to explode. The driver of the semi was pulled from the burning vehicle by Steven Pruitt of Noblesville, Indiana. Tobias was transported to Methodist hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Seven other vehicles were damaged by the explosion resulting in three other people receiving minor injuries. Those people were Edward D. Martin, age 40, of Indianapolis who was transported to Wishard., Elizabeth Fortune, age 39, of Indianapolis, and Lorin Hunter, age 22, also of Indianapolis. Hunter and Fortune sought medical treatment on their own.  

Agencies investigating the crash along side the Indiana State Police were INDOT, IMPD, Lawrence P.D., Lawrence Township Fire, Lawrence City Fire, Indianapolis Fire, and Fishers Fire. The Madison County EMA also assisted with traffic on I-69. The Salvation Army was on scene providing refreshments for the emergency workers.

Investigating Officer:  Trooper Troy Sunier

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