Lake County- This morning at approximately 8:30 a.m., troopers were dispatched to a car/semi crash on the eastbound lanes of I‑80/94 near the 7 mile-marker, close to Burr Street.
Upon arrival, troopers located a 2016 Lincoln SUV overturned on its driver’s side in the south ditch. The driver had been ejected and was found lying next to the vehicle. The female driver was alert, conscious, and able to speak with paramedics at the scene. The Gary Fire Department transported her to Northlake Hospital for emergency treatment.
A preliminary investigation indicates that a semi traveling eastbound made contact between its front left steer tire and the rear passenger side of the Lincoln. The impact caused the Lincoln to rotate to the right, resulting in the driver losing control. The vehicle then entered the south ditch, where it overturned and ejected the driver.
While at the hospital, the driver’s condition deteriorated. Despite life-saving efforts, she died. Her identity will be released by the Lake County Coroner’s Office once the family has made a positive identification, expected Monday morning.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, including determining how the initial contact occurred between the two vehicles.