MITCHELL - MARCH 8, 2024 - Updated: Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a serious two-vehicle crash on SR 37, near Gun Club Road, south of Mitchell. The crash resulted in two fatalities and two others being airlifted from the scene.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, occupied by three individuals, was southbound on SR 37, near Gun Club Road. At the same time, a 2006 Dodge Ram truck with a single occupant was northbound on SR 37.
The Chevrolet, driven by Jordon Williams (32 years old of Paoli), drove left of center at an excessive speed to pass an uninvolved vehicle that was turning right from southbound SR 37 into a private driveway.
The roadway was marked with a double yellow line for a “no passing zone”. When the Chevrolet drove left of center, it collided head-on with the Dodge truck, which was being driven by Braighton Ames (21 years old of Paoli).
The impact resulted in the Dodge truck traveling airborne off the right side of the roadway and overturning.
The Chevrolet suffered catastrophic damage and came to rest in the middle of SR 37. Ames was entrapped in the Dodge truck and had to be freed from the wreckage by Bedford Fire Extrication.
He was flown from the scene to an Indianapolis hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Both Williams and a backseat passenger of the Chevrolet, Gunther Oberth (73 years old of Orleans), were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The third occupant of the Chevrolet, Tanaea Harkness (28 years old of Bedford), was entrapped and had to be freed by Marion Township Fire Extrication.
Harkness was flown to a Louisville hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Notifications to the families of all involved persons have been made. SR 37 remained closed until almost 2:00pm for the investigation, reconstruction, and large scale clean up of the crash. Deputy Shaun Cabral is the lead investigator of the crash.
Detective Sergeant Michael Ramos performed the crash reconstruction. Numerous other Sheriff’s Office personnel assisted with the investigation.
Agencies who responded and assisted included Mitchell Police Department, Marion Township Fire Department, Mitchell Fire Department, Bedford Fire Department, IU Health EMS, IU Health Lifeline, AirEvac, and Jackson’s Heavy Haul Wrecker Service.
Orginal news story: Indiana State Road 37 at Gun Club Road is closed due to a serious two vehicle head - on collision. The roadway will be closed for a undetermined amount of time.
The traffic is being redirected on to Gun Club Road while emergency crews work the accident scene and accident investigation.
Photo: Indiana State Road 37 South at Gun Club Road is closed due to a serious two vehicle head - on accident traffic is being re-directed on to Gun Club Road
The accident was reported at around 10:15 am.
Bedford Fire Department extrication, IU Lifeline Ambulance, Lawrence County Sheiff's Marion Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lawrence County Fire Territory Ambulance ,Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department, two air ambulances was requested to the scene.
Photo: Bedford Fire Extrication Team respond to a head - on two vehicle accident on Indiana State Road 37 South near Gun Club Road
Lawrence County Sheriff's Department is investigating the accident.
For breaking news and information go to lczephyr.org or like/follow the Lawrence County Zephyr Facebook page.
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