Jackson County - On Wednesday, at approximately 1:12 p.m., the Indiana State Police responded to a report of an overturned semi on I-65 around the 57 mile marker.  The semi tractor and trailer overturned in the middle of the northbound lanes of I-65 halting northbound traffic.

Preliminary investigation revealed that James T. Powell, 46, of Punta Gorda, Florida, had been driving northbound around the 57 mile marker in a red 1998 International semi, pulling a loaded trailer.  The crash caused the semi, registered to R and S Transport out of Indianapolis, to roll over, making it a total loss.  The trailer remained upright and received an undetermined amount of damage. 

The driver told Trooper Shea Teague, that he had unbuckled his seatbelt and was in the process of reaching for his lemonade on the floor, when he heard his semi go over the rumble strips on the emergency burm.  When he looked up, he was already in the grass.  He attempted to steer his semi back onto the interstate when, according to witnesses, the rear of the trailer collided with a guard rail.  The semi jack knifed in the middle of the interstate, as the trailer destroyed approximately 200 feet of guard rail.  The driver did not request medical treatment, but was taken to Schneck Medical Center for a routine blood draw.  The semi is being inspected by a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division Trooper.

The following provided assistance:  Bartholomew County Sheriffs Department, Jackson County EMS, Jonesville Volunteer Fire Department and INDOT.

If you see driving behavior that puts other motorist at risk, call 911, or report it to the nearest law enforcement agency.  Help continue to reduce needless loss of life on Indiana roadways.  Take the time. Make the call. Save a life!

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