Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - A Greenfield man is in serious condition at a Fort Wayne hospital after a head-on collision that closed Ind. 15 at the north edge Milford for about two hours Wednesday morning.
Steven J. Chambless, 44, suffered multiple injuries and was pinned in the wreckage until being cut free by Milford Fire Department personnel using a hydraulic extrication tool. Chambless was transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, before being airlifted to Parkview Hospital. The accident occurred about 9:39 a.m.
According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Chambless was northbound on Ind. 15 when his pickup crossed the center line and collided with a northbound semi tractor/trailer driven by Frank H. Janzen, 63, of Crystal Flash Road, North Webster.
Janzen suffered a minor hand injury and refused medical attention, according to a press release.
Police do not know why Chambless crossed the double yellow line; due to his injuries, Chambless was unable to make a statement about the accident. Police said there were no skid marks at the scene and Janzen told police he saw Chambless' pickup "gliding" into his lane prior to the accident, but was unable to avoid the collision.
It is believed that Chambless was unrestrained in his vehicle, but the airbag did activate.
Damage is estimated at $5,000 to $10,000 to Chambless' pickup and $2,500 to $5,000 to Janzen's rig.
Assisting at the scene of the accident were personnel from Milford Police Department, Indiana State Police and Milford and Multi-Township emergency medical services.
