MERRILLVILLE, Lake County, Ind., Oct. 9, 2026 — Two people were hurt Wednesday morning, October 7, in a crash on Interstate 65 in Merrillville that involved a semi truck, according to Indiana State Police. One person was airlifted from the scene.
The crash happened under a bridge between 72nd Place and 61st Avenue, just north of U.S. 30. Video from the scene reportedly shows a semi that appears to have struck the bridge before hitting a guardrail.
A medical helicopter and an ambulance responded and took the two injured people to hospitals. Their conditions have not been released.
Northbound I-65 was shut down as crews worked to clear the scene.
The circumstances that led to the crash have not been released, and the investigation is ongoing. We hope those who were hurt recover quickly.
Why Crashes Cluster Near Bridges, Overpasses and Interstate Merges
Stretches of interstate that pass under bridges or feed into merge points are tight spots where driver attention has to be split several ways at once. A truck or car has to judge its lane position, watch for merging traffic and react to any slowdown ahead, all in the same few seconds, and a narrowed shoulder or support column leaves less room to correct if something goes wrong.
Large trucks add another layer of risk in these spots. A semi needs more distance to slow down or steer around an obstacle, and a misjudged gap or a moment of inattention near a bridge support can turn a routine lane change into a crash with limited escape room on either side.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 23,959 passenger-vehicle occupants were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. Interchanges, merges and structures like bridges and overpasses are recurring points where that risk concentrates, simply because there is less space to absorb a mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weather and road conditions affect crash risk?
Rain, fog, glare and debris can all cut down reaction time and traction, especially near merges or bridges where drivers already have less room to adjust. Conditions don't need to be severe to matter; even light rain on a busy interstate raises stopping distances.
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers, take photos of the scene, and wait for police to arrive and file a report.
Where do most traffic crashes happen?
A large share occur at or near intersections, interchanges and merge points, where vehicles are crossing paths, changing speed or changing lanes at the same time.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Merrillville, IN
If you're involved in or witness a crash on a highway like this, pull as far from traffic as you safely can and turn on hazard lights. Call 911 right away, even if injuries aren't obvious, since some symptoms show up hours later. Anyone involved should get checked by a medical provider the same day if possible, and keep records of any treatment. If a commercial truck is involved, note that these crashes often draw a separate inspection by state police or federal transportation officials, so it helps to document the scene, including vehicle positions and any visible damage, before traffic is cleared.
