Injuries Reported In Friday's Four-Vehicle Accident
Posted
Jordan Fouts-
PIERCETON – Kosciusko County officials are investigating a fiery four-vehicle traffic crash Friday in Pierceton that injured three people and closed part of U.S. 30 for several hours. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputies and emergency personnel responded at 3:10 p.m. Friday to the intersection of U.S. 30 and Ind. 13 after receiving several 911 reports of an accident involving two semi-tractor trailers, according to KCSD Public Information Officer Sgt. Chad Hill. Responders arrived and found that one of the semis and a passenger vehicle had become engulfed in flames due to the vehicular crash. Preliminary investigation into the crash by the Kosciusko County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team determined that a semi driven by Larry A. Schulz, 67, Lincoln, Neb., was westbound on U.S. 30 approaching the intersection of Ind. 13 when it ran directly into the rear of a Dodge Neon driven by Jeremy Noland, 23, Columbus, Ohio, which was stopped for a red traffic light. The impact caused Noland’s vehicle to then strike the side of a second semi driven by Gregory L. Reese, 37, Claypool. Noland’s vehicle then burst into flames, as did the side of Schulz’s loaded trailer. Noland and his passenger, Crista Noland, 22, were pulled from their burning vehicle by an unknown passing motorist and by Tyler Rothhaar, 20, Ligonier, according to information from Hill. A fourth driver, Joshua M. Watts, 40, Portland, Ind., also received minor damage to his Jeep as a result of the initial impact. Jeremy Noland was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital in serious condition with internal and head injuries. Crista Noland also was transported to KCH with second-degree burns to her legs, and was listed in serious but stable condition. Reese was transported to KCH with a possible leg fracture. Officers noted that even with his injury, Reese was able to drive his tanker truck, which was transporting gasoline, away from the impact area that had become an inferno. Larry Schulz and Joshua Watts were reportedly not injured. Officers stated that the crash is still under investigation as of late Friday. Kosciusko County FACT was assisted at the scene by members of the Pierceton Police and Fire departments, North Webster EMS and Fire Department, Warsaw Wayne Fire Territory, Lutheran Kosciusko EMS, Winona Police Department and KCSD.
