STEUBEN COUNTY, IN (WTVB) – Investigators suspect that a medical problem may have contributed to a three vehicle crash that claimed the life of an Iowa truck driver Tuesday morning at the eastbound toll plaza on I-80/90 in Steuben County, which is about four miles west of the Indiana/Ohio State Line.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Police, the crash happened at about 8:15 a.m. as 73-year- old Edwin Lee Bottelman of Greeley, Iowa was operating a 2020 Freightliner semi-tractor pulling a bulk tank trailer eastbound on the Indiana Toll Road. Prior to the crash, Troopers say Bottelman was coming into the toll plaza at a high rate of speed with no evidence of slowing or braking prior to impacting two other semi’s that were in line for the toll plaza.
Bottelman was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Steuben County Coroner.
The driver of one of the other semis struck was transported with minor injuries to Parkview Regional hospital in Fort Wayne by Steuben County EMS. The other semi driver was not injured.
Although not conclusive, investigators suspect that Bottelman may have suffered a medical problem which may have contributed to the initial loss of control. That portion of the investigation remains under investigation with the Steuben County Coroner’s office.
Also assisting were multiple troopers from both the Toll Road Post and the Fort Wayne Post, Steuben County EMS, Angola Fire Department, Fremont Fire Department, Steuben County Coroner, IDEM, Bamber RMS, ITRCC Emergency management and maintenance, and First Call Towing. This remains an active investigation.
Comments