A driver of a semi is lucky to have escaped with minor injuries after he drove his semi into the back of another semi on the Indiana Toll Road.

Just after 2:45 p.m. on July 1, Indiana State troopers responded to a crash between two semis that stopped traffic in the westbound lanes of the Indiana Toll Road near mile marker 104.  This is approximately three miles west of the Middlebury Exit.

The preliminary investigation indicated that a black 2019 Freightliner towing a box trailer loaded with plastic trays driven by a 31-year-old Chicago man was traveling in the right lane in traffic that was stop-and-go due to a construction zone being taken down.  A red 2020 Mack towing an empty tanker trailer driven by a 68-year-old Peoria man was also traveling in the right lane a short distance behind the other rig.

The driver of the rig behind the other reportedly became momentarily distracted and drove into the back of the trailer in front when traffic again slowed quickly.

The driver who police say caused the crash was entrapped and had to be extricated by Bristol Fire and EMS before being taken to Elkhart General Hospital with minor injuries.

Westbound traffic was diverted off the Indiana Toll Road at the Middlebury Exit until approximately 4:50 p.m. when traffic was allowed to get past the crash on the left shoulder.  Both lanes were reported to be opened at approximately 5:30 p.m.