Semis Burn After CrashPIERCETON - Two semis erupted in flames Wednesday after colliding.
The crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. 30 and CR 200S, outside of Pierceton, just before 6 p.m.
Both drivers were able to escape from their trucks.
Dennis P. Kienan, 59 of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., was headed west on U.S. 30, just west of Ind. 13, when he lost control of his semi on ice and ran through the center median and into the path of an eastbound semi. The other semi was driven by John D. Jenkins, 59, of Peru, Ind.
The two trucks collided in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 30 and caught fire almost immediately. Both semi-tractor trailers were a complete loss.
Both drivers were transported to Kosciusko Community Hospital. Kienan was treated for back pain, and Jenkins was treated for a complaint of rib pain.
Indiana State Police investigators place the blame for the crash on Kienan for driving too fast for the poor road conditions.
Traffic on U.S. 30 was stopped until 11:20 p.m.
The Indiana State Police, Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Pierceton and Warsaw police departments, along with Pierceton, Winona Lake and Larwill fire departments all assisted at the scene.
