Benton County, IN (August 13, 2026) – A two-vehicle accident on Wednesday morning, August 12, in a construction zone on westbound State Route 18 left one person dead and another hospitalized. The wreck occurred shortly before 10 a.m. at County Road 1200 E, where traffic was being directed by an INDOT flagger.
Kacy J. Cunningham, 43, of Wolcott, was stopped when her car was struck from behind by a pickup truck driven by Jacob A. Morris, 39, of Peru. Cunningham died at the scene, while Nathan P. Christner, 40, of Wolcott, was found unconscious inside her vehicle and taken to a local hospital.
Morris declined medical treatment at the scene. State Route 18 remained closed for more than two hours as a reconstruction team examined the collision. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, with additional information expected as the inquiry continues.
Our deepest sympathies go to Cunningham’s family and loved ones.
What Is Reviewed After a Rear-End Accident in a Construction Zone?
Rear-end accidents in work zones can involve several factors that may help explain how the vehicles came together. Investigators may review traffic-control measures, signs, lane changes, flagger instructions, and the position of each vehicle before the accident. Photos can document vehicle damage, pavement markings, barriers, and other features around the work area.
Witness statements may also provide information about traffic movement and what drivers saw before the collision. Vehicle data, when available, can offer details about speed, braking, and other actions before contact. Weather and visibility may also be considered when reviewing what happened. Medical records can help establish the nature and extent of injuries reported after a serious roadway accident.
