Outlook may not display this message well. To view this email as a web page, click here. INDIANA STATE POLICE
VERSAILLES DISTRICT
902 S. Adams Street
Versailles, IN 47042www.in.gov/ispFOR RELEASE: Upon ReceiptCONTACT:
Sgt. Stephen Wheeles
Public Information Officer
(812)571-4659
November 27, 2024
Indianapolis Man Killed in Early Morning Crash
This morning, shortly before 7:00 am, a two-vehicle head on crash on US 421 in southern Decatur County claimed the life on an Indianapolis man.
The initial investigation by troopers with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post indicated that a 2010 Pontiac passenger vehicle being driven by Joseph L. Arthur, age 47, Indianapolis, Indiana was traveling southbound on US 421 near County Road 700 East, near the Decatur/Ripley County Line. For an unknown reason, Arthur lost control of the vehicle which crossed the center line into the path of a northbound 2014 Freightliner semi pulling a trailer, being driven by Michael S. Olsen, age 55, Charlotte, Michigan.
The vehicles collided nearly head on in the northbound lane of US 421. Arthur sustained fatal injuries in the collision. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Decatur County Coroner’s Office. Olsen’s vehicle caught fire immediately following the crash. He was able to exit the vehicle with minor injuries.
Indiana State Police Crash Reconstructionists were called to the scene to document the scene and reconstruct the crash. The crash remains under investigation although initial evidence suggested that speed likely played a role in the crash. The crash investigation remains ongoing.
US 421 was closed in both directions for approximately five hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
Joseph Arthur’s family has been notified.
Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post were assisted by the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team, Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, Greensburg Police Department, Ripley County EMS, Decatur County EMS, Greensburg Fire Department, Napoleon Fire Department, Decatur County Coroner’s Office, INDOT, and TDS Towing. |
