HOBART, Ind. (WBBM Newsradio) – Three juveniles were killed and another was critically injured after an SUV crashed into a parked semi-truck early Friday morning on Interstate 65 near Hobart, according to Indiana State Police.
Troopers from the Indiana State Police Lowell Post responded around midnight to the southbound lanes of I-65 near the 257.2 mile-marker, about a mile south of Ridge Road.
Police said a blue Ford Explorer traveling southbound rear-ended a white Freightliner semi-truck with a box trailer that was parked on the shoulder because of mechanical issues.
Investigators identified the driver of the SUV as 31-year-old Renee Foster of Gary, Indiana. Police allege Foster fell asleep behind the wheel, causing the SUV to leave the roadway and strike the parked trailer at a high rate of speed.
The crash caused catastrophic damage to the SUV, according to police.
Authorities said one juvenile passenger, who was unrestrained and seated in the front passenger seat, was ejected from the vehicle and died from injuries suffered in the crash.
Two additional juvenile passengers seated in the rear of the SUV and not properly restrained also suffered fatal injuries, police said.
A fourth juvenile passenger, who was seated in the third row and also not properly restrained, suffered severe injuries and was flown by medical helicopter to the University of Chicago for treatment of potentially life-threatening injuries.
Foster suffered upper body injuries and was transported to Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point for treatment. The driver of the semi was not injured.
Indiana State Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. Both drivers consented to blood draws, and results are pending.
Police said felony charges will be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration against Foster. Proposed charges include four counts of neglect of a dependent, a Level 5 felony, along with reckless driving, driving with a suspended vehicle registration and multiple child restraint violations.
