DeKalb County, IN (February 28, 2026) – A 28-year-old Waterloo man died following a head-on collision on U.S. 6 near County Road 19 in DeKalb County.
According to authorities, Tristen Till of Waterloo was driving westbound on U.S. 6 when his vehicle collided with an oncoming truck operated by Thomas Stahl, 61, of Corunna.
Officials reported that Till’s vehicle caught fire following the impact. Deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, along with a Waterloo marshal deputy and personnel from the Corunna Fire Department, responded to the scene and extinguished the flames.
Firefighters removed Till from the wreckage, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities stated that Stahl’s truck rolled over in the roadway before coming to rest in the north ditch. The 61-year-old driver complained of general body soreness but declined medical treatment at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Tristen Till during this difficult time.
Wh|at Makes Head-On Collisions Among the Most Dangerous Types of Crashes?
Head-on crashes frequently result in catastrophic damage due to the combined force of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. Even at moderate highway speeds, the energy transfer during impact can cause severe structural intrusion and post-collision hazards such as vehicle fires.
Vehicle fires following high-impact crashes often stem from ruptured fuel lines or compromised engine components. Rapid response from fire personnel is critical to extinguish flames and allow for safe extrication of occupants.
In rollover scenarios, secondary movement after the initial collision can increase the risk of additional injury. Investigators typically evaluate lane positioning, speed, roadway conditions, and potential contributing factors when reconstructing head-on collisions on undivided highways like U.S. 6.
