Wayne County, IN (January 14, 2025) – A devastating collision involving two pickup trucks resulted in the death of a woman and serious injuries to a man in eastern Indiana on Saturday afternoon. The crash occurred around 4 p.m. at the intersection of South U.S. Highway 27 and State Route 122, approximately seven miles south of Richmond.
Responding emergency crews discovered a Chevy pickup truck and a Dodge pickup truck in a field southwest of the intersection. Nannie Byrd, 60, of Manchester, Kentucky, was a passenger in the Chevy and was pronounced dead at the scene. The truck’s driver, a 68-year-old man also from Manchester, sustained significant injuries and was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, for emergency treatment.
Two juveniles traveling in the Dodge truck were transported to Reid Health in Richmond with minor injuries.
Preliminary findings from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office suggest that the Dodge truck failed to stop at a stop sign while traveling westbound on State Route 122. This caused the southbound Chevy truck on U.S. Highway 27 to crash into the Dodge’s passenger side, forcing both vehicles off the roadway and into a nearby field. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Nannie Byrd, and we wish for the full recovery of the injured.
Serious Accidents at Rural Intersections in Indiana
Rural intersections, like the one at U.S. Highway 27 and State Route 122, often pose significant risks to motorists due to limited visibility, higher speeds, and reduced enforcement of traffic signals. In Indiana, intersection-related crashes contribute to a substantial number of injuries and fatalities annually.
According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, over 800 fatalities statewide in recent years have been linked to failure to yield or disregard for traffic signals. Tragically, these accidents are often preventable with improved road design, better signage, and strict adherence to traffic laws.
Accidents involving multiple vehicles often result in complex insurance claims and legal proceedings, especially when injuries or fatalities are involved. Victims and their families are encouraged to seek professional guidance to secure fair compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and other damages.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a crash, contact Local Accident Reports for assistance. Their resources can help guide you through the recovery process and provide valuable support during this challenging time.