Report Provides Update On June 2 U.S. 30 Crash
June 9, 2020 at 2:04 a.m.
By Amanda [email protected]
At 2:27 p.m. June 2, first responders were called to East U.S. 30, 1,000 feet east of South CR 250E, Warsaw, for a report of a three-semi collision. Traffic in the westbound lanes of U.S. 30 was backed up nearly to Pierceton, and the city of Warsaw issued an alert at the time telling motorists to avoid the area. Kosciusko County Central Dispatch reported receiving phone calls for more than an hour after the crash asking why traffic was backed up.
Kosciusko County Sheriff deputies and Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory responders requested extra manpower to help with extrication of the driver of the third semi, Vlad M. Ardelean, 34, from Watertown, Mass.
The police investigation determined the first semi, driven by Raymond J. Curtiss, 27, of Homewood, Ill., was traveling west on U.S. 30 at a very low speed due to the traffic. The second semi, driven by Lucjan J. Kuzinski, 40, of Justice, Ill., was also reported to be traveling behind Curtiss at a very low speed for traffic, when, for an unknown reason, Ardelean did not slow down and struck the second semi in the rear, causing the second semi to rear-end the first.
Ardelean was hauling concrete retainer walls, and upon impact, his freight shifted, causing more damage to the vehicle and trapping Ardelean inside.
Once Ardelean was removed from the semi, he was flown by Lutheran Air Ambulance to Fort Wayne where he was treated for severe burns on his knees, lower legs and feet.
Ardelean’s semi was towed from the scene, along with the second semi. Neither Curtiss or Kuzinski were injured in the accident, and the first semi was able to drive away from the scene, according to the crash report.
All three drivers consented to provide alcohol and drug screens. Those results are pending.
Latest News
E-Editions
At 2:27 p.m. June 2, first responders were called to East U.S. 30, 1,000 feet east of South CR 250E, Warsaw, for a report of a three-semi collision. Traffic in the westbound lanes of U.S. 30 was backed up nearly to Pierceton, and the city of Warsaw issued an alert at the time telling motorists to avoid the area. Kosciusko County Central Dispatch reported receiving phone calls for more than an hour after the crash asking why traffic was backed up.
Kosciusko County Sheriff deputies and Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory responders requested extra manpower to help with extrication of the driver of the third semi, Vlad M. Ardelean, 34, from Watertown, Mass.
The police investigation determined the first semi, driven by Raymond J. Curtiss, 27, of Homewood, Ill., was traveling west on U.S. 30 at a very low speed due to the traffic. The second semi, driven by Lucjan J. Kuzinski, 40, of Justice, Ill., was also reported to be traveling behind Curtiss at a very low speed for traffic, when, for an unknown reason, Ardelean did not slow down and struck the second semi in the rear, causing the second semi to rear-end the first.
Ardelean was hauling concrete retainer walls, and upon impact, his freight shifted, causing more damage to the vehicle and trapping Ardelean inside.
Once Ardelean was removed from the semi, he was flown by Lutheran Air Ambulance to Fort Wayne where he was treated for severe burns on his knees, lower legs and feet.
Ardelean’s semi was towed from the scene, along with the second semi. Neither Curtiss or Kuzinski were injured in the accident, and the first semi was able to drive away from the scene, according to the crash report.
All three drivers consented to provide alcohol and drug screens. Those results are pending.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092