Tipton County – Yesterday, at approximately 10:26 a.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two vehicle crash at U.S. 31 and County Road 500 South, in which a Kempton, IN, man was severely injured.

The preliminary crash investigation by Master Trooper Bob Good revealed that Russell Sottong, 68, Kempton, IN, was driving a 2004 International dump truck eastbound on Tipton County Road 500 South. Sottong stopped for a stop sign at the intersection of U.S. 31. Sottong then continued eastbound across U.S. 31. The dump truck crossed the southbound lanes, but allegedly failed to yield in the median crossover, and continued to drive across the northbound lanes. The dump truck was struck in the passenger door by a northbound 2007 Freightliner semi-tractor. The Freightliner, driven by Genaro Casanon, 49, Austin, MN, was pulling an empty box trailer.

Sottong was flown by medical helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with life threatening injuries. Casanon was transported by ambulance to Indiana University Tipton Hospital with a complaint of pain.

The dump truck was owned by the Tipton County Highway Department. Sottong was working at the time of the crash. Casanon was driving for VFS Incorporated based in Albert Lea, MN.

The crash investigation is ongoing. At this time neither the use of alcohol nor narcotics is suspected as having contributed to this crash. Both drivers were wearing a seat belt.

Master Trooper Good was assisted at the crash scene by Master Trooper Joe Swisher, Trooper Aaron Schaal, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Department, the Cicero Township Fire Department, the Kempton Fire Department, Seals Ambulance Service, the Indiana Department of Emergency Management, and the Indiana Department of Transportation.