HOBART, Lake County, Ind., Oct. 27, 2026 — A wrong-way driver crashed head-on into another vehicle in the northbound lanes of Interstate 65 near Ridge Road early Monday, October 26, seriously injuring two people and closing the highway for hours in northwest Indiana.
One injured person was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center and another to Franciscan Health in Crown Point, according to a report from ABC7 Chicago. That account placed the crash near Ridge Road at about 1 a.m., while a separate report from Cedar News put the time closer to 2 a.m. and described the location as south of Ridge Road and north of 61st Avenue near Hobart. The two accounts have not been reconciled, and the exact time has not been confirmed.
Northbound Interstate 65 was shut down for hours while crews worked the scene, per the ABC7 Chicago report. The highway has since reopened. Indiana State Police have not released the identities or conditions of the two people hurt, one in each vehicle, and the cause of the wrong-way entry remains undisclosed.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Hobart, IN
This crash happened at Interstate 65 and Ridge Road in Hobart, Indiana. We cover crashes across Lake County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Lake County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do highways try to stop wrong-way entries?
Many interstates use lowered wrong-way signs, reflective pavement arrows, and sensors at exit ramps designed to catch a driver before they reach through traffic. Some states have added flashing beacons or cameras that alert dispatchers in real time once a car is detected going the wrong direction.
Does alcohol factor into wrong-way crashes?
Impairment is a common factor in wrong-way crashes nationally, often because a driver becomes disoriented and enters an exit ramp traveling the wrong direction. Investigators typically wait for toxicology results before confirming whether alcohol or drugs were involved in a specific case.
Are some roads more prone to wrong-way crashes than others?
Divided highways with closely spaced interchanges, limited lighting, or confusing ramp layouts tend to see more wrong-way incidents. Night and early-morning hours carry added risk because visibility is lower and fewer other drivers are present to flag the error.
What usually causes a driver to go the wrong way?
Common causes include impairment, driver confusion at interchanges, medical emergencies, and simply missing posted signage. Investigators look at the entry point, timing, and driver's condition to piece together how it happened.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Hobart, IN
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and, if it's safe, try to move away from traffic lanes. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional soon afterward, since injuries from a head-on impact aren't always obvious right away. Remember to keep any paperwork from police or hospitals, and if your vehicle was involved, avoid having it repaired or scrapped until it's been documented, in case the investigation needs it later. Reporting what you saw to Indiana State Police, including approximate time and location, can help investigators sort out details in cases like this one where early accounts haven't matched up.
