A Markleville man was killed in a crash along U.S. 40 Monday morning.
HANCOCK COUNTY — Officers from Hancock County Sheriff’s Department say a Markleville man lost his life following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 40 Monday morning near the intersection of Hancock CR 800 East.
HCSD responded at approximately 8 a.m. Monday to reports of a serious crash near the intersection. Law enforcement officers arrived and called for Hancock County Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) to respond because of the severity of the crash.
The crash involved a 2011 Ford Edge and a 1996 Peterbilt dump truck. The Ford Edge was driven by Matthew Fisher, 48, Markleville. Fisher, officers said, was pronounced dead at the scene from sustaining fatal injuries in the crash.
The Peterbilt was driven by Kenneth Stautamoyer, 48, Daleville. There are no reports of him being injured in the crash.
Officers say it appears the Peterbilt and the Ford were traveling eastbound on U.S. 40, approaching the crossover intersection at CR 800 East. That’s when both vehicles were in the left lane of eastbound U.S. 40, with the Peterbilt being the lead vehicle. The Peterbilt was approaching 800 East to turn north when the vehicle was struck in the rear by the Ford Edge.
The impact occurred in the left lane and resulted in the Peterbilt rolling onto its passenger side in the crossover and partially in the westbound lanes of U.S. 40. The Ford sustained heavy front-end damage from impact. Witness information indicated the driver of the Peterbilt did have his turn signal operating.
Crews from the Hancock County FACT are investigating the incident. The driver of the Peterbilt is being cooperative in the investigation. This crash happened just before 8 a.m. with eastbound vehicle traffic heading toward the sunrise, indicating visibility may have played a role in the collision.
Officers want to remind drivers to stay vigilant and allow proper spacing, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the glare reduces visibility.
Members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and Greenfield Police Department FACT were on the scene as well as Indiana State Police, Charlottesville Fire Department and Greenfield Fire Department.