Lake County, IN (May 16, 2026) – Three juveniles were killed, and another suffered critical injuries after a crash involving an SUV and a parked semi-truck early Friday morning on Interstate 65 in Lake County.
The collision happened around midnight on Friday, May 15, on I-65 southbound near mile marker 257.2 and S Ridge Rd. According to investigators, a blue Ford Explorer traveling southbound in the right lane crashed into the rear of a white Freightliner Cascadia with a box trailer that was parked on the shoulder because of mechanical problems.
Emergency units arriving at the scene found the Explorer blocking the right two lanes of the interstate. Officials said the SUV struck the semi-truck at high speed.
The 31-year-old driver from Gary suffered upper body injuries and was transported to Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point. Authorities said she told investigators she fell asleep while driving before leaving the roadway and colliding with the parked truck.
Four juveniles were passengers inside the Explorer. Officials confirmed that three of the juveniles died from injuries sustained in the crash. A fourth juvenile suffered potentially life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to the University of Chicago for treatment.
Investigators stated that none of the juveniles were properly restrained at the time of the collision. The semi-truck driver was not injured.
Authorities said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, though blood test results are still pending. Charges have been requested against the SUV driver, but she was not in custody as of Friday because she remained hospitalized.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our condolences go out to the victims’ loved ones.
Why Crashes Involving Parked Semi-Trucks Can Be Especially Severe
Crashes involving parked commercial trucks can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the significant size and weight differences between passenger vehicles and semi-trailers. When a smaller vehicle strikes the rear of a truck at highway speed, the impact force can be extreme.
Investigators often examine whether the parked truck was positioned legally and whether hazard warnings or emergency signals were active. Driver fatigue, distraction, impairment, and roadway visibility are also commonly reviewed in these cases.
Seat belt and child restraint use can significantly affect injury outcomes during major crashes. In collisions involving multiple passengers, investigators may analyze occupant positions, interior vehicle damage, and impact angles to better understand how the injuries occurred.
