A devastating multi-vehicle collision on State Road 39 in northern Boone County claimed the lives of two individuals and left another person critically injured on Friday morning. The fatal crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. near West Blubaugh Avenue, approximately eight miles north of downtown Lebanon, Indiana. According to the Boone County Sheriff's Office, three vehicles were involved in the collision: an SUV, a van, and a concrete truck. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, with one seriously injured victim transported to a local hospital for treatment. The severity of the crash prompted the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to close both directions of State Road 39 between Henry and Blubaugh avenues, creating significant traffic disruptions in the area. Law enforcement officials continue their investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragic incident, working to determine the cause and sequence of events that resulted in such devastating consequences for the families and community affected.

Location and Infrastructure

State Road 39 serves as a crucial north-south transportation corridor in Boone County, connecting rural communities with the county seat of Lebanon and facilitating commercial traffic throughout central Indiana. The crash location near West Blubaugh Avenue represents a stretch of highway that carries both local commuter traffic and heavy commercial vehicles, including construction trucks like the concrete truck involved in this incident. This rural section of State Road 39 features typical Indiana highway characteristics with two-lane traffic in each direction and agricultural land on both sides. The area around Henry and Blubaugh avenues includes several intersections and side roads that serve the local farming community and residential areas. Traffic patterns in this region typically involve a mix of passenger vehicles, agricultural equipment, and commercial trucks, particularly during business hours when construction and farming activities are most active. The proximity to Lebanon, just eight miles to the south, means this stretch experiences regular commuter traffic as residents travel to and from the county's largest municipality.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, victims and families affected by fatal motor vehicle accidents have specific legal rights and protections that may apply to this tragic incident. Indiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning that fault can be apportioned among multiple parties involved in an accident. The state's wrongful death statute allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship. Personal injury claims in Indiana must typically be filed within two years of the accident date, while wrongful death claims have a similar limitation period. Given the involvement of a commercial concrete truck, additional considerations may include federal motor carrier safety regulations and potential liability of the trucking company or contractor. Insurance coverage may involve multiple policies, including personal auto insurance, commercial vehicle coverage, and potentially umbrella policies. Families should be aware that insurance companies may conduct independent investigations and that preserving evidence from the scene is crucial. Professional legal representation can help navigate the complex intersection of state traffic laws, insurance regulations, and civil liability statutes that may apply to multi-vehicle commercial crashes.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Boone County Sheriff's Office: (765) 482-1412
• Lebanon Fire Department: (765) 482-8304
• Witham Health Services (Lebanon): (765) 485-8000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana State Police: (317) 899-8577
• Boone County Emergency Management: (765) 482-3510
• INDOT Traffic Management: 511 or dial 511

Support Services:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Indiana: (317) 721-6233
• Indiana Victim Services Division: (317) 232-1745
• Crisis & Suicide Prevention Center of Montgomery County: (765) 362-2662

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: bmv.in.gov
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): iga.in.gov
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: fmcsa.dot.gov
• Indiana Department of Insurance: in.gov/idoi