LAGRANGE CO. – The Indiana State Police Toll Road Post is investigating an early morning crash that claimed the life of an Illinois semi-driver on the Indiana Toll Road.
At approximately 7 a.m. this morning troopers were dispatched to the area of the westbound 120.5-mile marker on the Indiana Toll Road to investigate a crash involving two semi-tractor trailers. Upon arrival, the troopers found a white 2015 Freightliner semi-tractor trailer that had crashed into the rear end of a blue 2016 Kenworth semi-tractor/trailer.
According to Senior Trooper Craig Woodcox’s preliminary investigation, prior to the crash the 2016 Kenworth was traveling westbound in the right lane well below the minimum speed limit. It was not immediately clear as to why the driver, Jawad Ahmed, 51, of New York, was operating at a slower speed.
The 2015 Freightliner driven by Luka Cuk, 29, of Illinois was also traveling westbound in the right lane, approaching the slower semi-tractor/trailer. As Cuk’s semi came upon the slower lead semi, there was evidence of an attempted evasive action to avoid hitting the rear of Ahmed’s trailer, but that action was too late. Cuk’s semi-tractor impacted the rear of Ahmed’s semi-trailer and sustained heavy damage.
Cuk was initially trapped inside the wreckage. Once he was able to be extricated by rescue personnel, life-saving medical care was immediately attempted but was unsuccessful. Cuk was pronounced dead at the scene by the LaGrange County Coroner. Cuk’s immediate family has been notified by Lagrange County Coroner.
Ahmed was transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital in LaGrange with what was described as non-life-threatening injuries.
As a result of the crash, the roadway was shut down for over three hours from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. for the required investigation and clean up.
Agencies assisting S/Trooper Woodcox at the scene were: the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post, Lagrange County Sheriff’s Office, Parkview Lagrange EMS, Howe Fire Department, Lagrange Fire Department, Grates Towing & Recovery, the West Michigan AirCare, and the LaGrange County Coroner’s office.
There is no further information to release. This remains an ongoing active investigation. Once complete, the investigation will be turned over to the LaGrange County Prosecutor for a full review and determination if any criminal charges are warranted.
