Bartholomew County: This afternoon troopers responded to a three vehicle crash on Northbound I-65 near the 70 mile marker.  According to Tpr. Matt Holley, at approximately 4:20 this afternoon northbound traffic on I-65 was merging into the left lane to yield to a trooper who had a vehicle stopped on northbound shoulder of I-65.  A 2004 Nissan, a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and a 2005 Peterbilt semi tractor pulling a box trailer merged into the left lane.  The semi, driven by 44 year old Padlo Mariusz of Arlington Heights, IL struck the rear of the Suburban which was being driven by 49 year old Kelly C. Bowers of Edinburgh, IN.  The Suburban then rolled ejecting two of the passengers finally coming to rest on its wheels against a guardrail.  The semi then struck the rear of the Nissan, which was being operated by 36 year old Laura A. Bracken of Trafalgar, IN.  After impact, the semi and the Nissan became locked together and traveled off the roadway into the east side of the roadway and down a steep embankment.

Injured:
Kelly Bowers-non life-threatening injuries-Transported to Columbus Regional Hospital

Sidney Bowers-age 15-Passenger in Suburban-unknown injuries-Transported to Columbus Regional Hospital

Aaron Bowers-age 13-Passenger in Suburban-ejected-critical condition with possible skull fracture-Transported to Columbus Regional Hospital then transferred to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis

Adam Bowers-age 11-Passenger in Suburban-unknown injuries-transported to Columbus Regional Hospital

Sarah Bowers-age 9-Passenger in Suburban-ejected-unknown injuries-Transported to Columbus Regional Hospital

All children injured were the children of Kelly Bowers.  No other injuries were reported as a result of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation including whether or not seat belts were in use by any of the occupants of the Suburban and why the semi was unable to slow down enough before striking the two other vehicles.  Tpr. Holley was assisted at the scene by Troopers Bryce Harris and Korry Clark, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies, Indiana State Excise Police, and Columbus Fire and EMS.