Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
His death is the third fatality in less than a week on Kosciusko County roads.
Charles R. Schlag, 50, of Elkhart, died when the pickup he was driving burst into flames after hitting a tree. The 2:06 p.m. accident occurred on Ind. 19 just south of CR 900N, Community Center.
The first Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department officers on the scene reported the truck fully engulfed in flames. Schlag was pinned inside the vehicle. His body had to be removed by the Nappanee Fire Department's "Jaws of Life."
The truck was carrying five utility trailers southbound on a fifth-wheel trailer from an Elkhart manufacturer when it suddenly veered off the east side of Ind. 19 and into the tree.
Two area Amish residents told police they saw the vehicle as it went past their front window and through their yard.
Anita Yoder, Etna Green, ran north of her home to a rural pay phone to call 911. Edwin Yoder, same address, told police he ran to get a fire extinguisher but by the time he returned the vehicle had become fully engulfed.
A dog riding in the truck was also killed in the blaze.
Also assisting at the scene were the Indiana State Police and Nappanee EMS.
The accident remains under investigation by the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department.
