Rensselaer Woman Injured After Being Struck by Semi on U.S. 231 in Jasper County
RENSSELAER, INDIANA — A 32-year-old woman was hospitalized Friday morning after being struck by a semi-truck hauling an oversized load along U.S. 231 in Jasper County, according to local authorities.
Crash Reported South of County Road 1050 S
Deputies with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office were called around 9:12 a.m. to the crash site just south of County Road 1050 South. The pedestrian, identified as Patricia P. Putts of Rensselaer, was treated at the scene by emergency crews before being transported to a nearby hospital. Her current condition has not been released.
Oversized Load Blamed in Collision
Investigators identified the driver as Maurice A. Coleman, 48, of Forney, Texas, who was operating a semi northbound on U.S. 231 with an oversized load extending more than four feet on both sides of his trailer.
Coleman reportedly told deputies he had seen Putts walking along the east side of the highway but could not shift further west to avoid her without risking a collision with southbound traffic. As a result, the load struck her as the truck passed.
Ongoing Investigation
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that no charges have been filed at this stage, and the case remains under investigation. Authorities said the stretch of U.S. 231 where the crash occurred is a two-lane rural highway with limited shoulder space, a factor now being reviewed by investigators.
It is not yet clear whether speed, weather, or other roadway conditions played a role in the incident.
Officials Urge Caution
Sheriff’s officials are urging both drivers and pedestrians to use heightened caution in rural areas where road shoulders are narrow and oversized commercial loads are frequent.
Residents in the area are being asked to remain alert while traveling along U.S. 231 as the investigation continues.
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