Preliminary investigation by Trooper Goubeaux shows that a black 2008 Nissan was traveling eastbound in lane #2 when the driver of the Nissan failed to slow for the traffic congestion that he was approaching. Further investigation revealed that it appeared that the driver may have taken evasive action and lost control of the Nissan.
The Nissan then merged to the right, striking the driver’s side of a semi’s trailer. The Nissan struck the trailer with such force that it rocked the trailer side to side, causing the trailer to lean onto the roof of the Nissan. This caused the roof of the Nissan to be pushed down upon the driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle. The driver of the Nissan, Dominique Bernard Ellis, 26, from Markham, Illinois, had to be extricated from the vehicle by the Hammond Fire Department.
The interstate was briefly closed in both directions for a University of Chicago helicopter to land and take the patient to Chicago for treatment of severe injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer, Jay Drabik, 64, from Oak Lawn, Illinois was not injured. The truck is registered to Ruan while the trailer is owned by PraxAir. Both of the vehicles involved in the crash were towed from the scene by Double T towing. The roadway was completely reopened at 11:35 a.m.
Assisting at the scene were the following: Double T Towing, Hoosier Helpers, Hammond Fire/EMS and Troopers Bryant, Potesta, Halliburton, Hayes, Campione and Gilbert.
