Bremen, IN (August 8, 2025) – A 19-year-old driver was airlifted to a hospital following a serious collision between a pickup truck and a semi Thursday morning, August 7, near the intersection of US 6 and State Road 331 in Bremen. The crash occurred around 9:50 a.m., bringing troopers from the Indiana State Police Bremen Post, EMS units, and fire crews to the scene.
Investigators say a red Peterbilt semi towing a trailer was stopped eastbound on US 6, waiting to turn left onto the ramp for SR 331, when a silver 2006 GMC pickup—also traveling eastbound—struck the right rear of the trailer. The impact sent the GMC skidding 190 feet before coming to a stop.
The pickup’s driver, identified as Hunter Rust, 19, of Plymouth, sustained serious injuries. He was first transported by ambulance to Bremen Hospital and later flown to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. The semi driver, identified as Bryce Whelchel, 59, of Niles, Michigan, was not injured.
Both directions of US 6 were closed for approximately two hours for the investigation and vehicle removal. The roadway reopened around 11:50 a.m. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with Hunter Rust, and we hope for his full and swift recovery.
Semi-Truck Rear-End Collisions in Indiana
Collisions involving semi-trucks and smaller vehicles, particularly rear-end impacts, can cause severe injuries due to the significant size and weight difference between the vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), crashes with large trucks often result in more serious injuries for occupants of passenger vehicles, even at lower speeds.
In rural intersections like US 6 and SR 331, the combination of high-speed travel and vehicles slowing or stopping to turn can create dangerous conditions. Maintaining safe following distances and remaining alert to traffic changes ahead are key ways drivers can help prevent rear-end crashes.
For victims of semi-truck accidents, the path to recovery can involve extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and financial burdens from lost wages. Indiana law allows those injured due to another party’s negligence to seek compensation for these losses. Prompt legal consultation can help ensure that important evidence—such as vehicle inspection reports, dashcam footage, and witness statements—is preserved.
Roadway safety improvements, including better advance warning signage, extended turning lanes, and increased enforcement in high-risk corridors, can also help reduce the likelihood of these types of collisions.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
