Teen Struck by Semi-Wheel While Changing Tire on I-80 in Lake County

The Indiana State Police (ISP) are currently investigating a distressing incident that occurred on August 15, where a teenager was struck by a semi-wheel while changing a tire on I-80 in Lake County.

According to ISP, they received a call regarding a pedestrian being hit on the eastbound side of I-80/94. Preliminary information suggests that the victim's vehicle was parked along the shoulder of the interstate with its passengers outside working to replace a flat tire. At this time, an eastbound semi-truck from Illinois experienced "mechanical issues," causing one of its wheels to detach from the trailer and fall off.

The released statement revealed that the wheel remained attached to its rim as it collided with the south barrier before continuing eastward along the wall. Tragically, during this sequence of events, it struck and injured a 15-year-old boy who had been assisting with the tire change.

Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital. Due to potentially life-threatening injuries, he was later transferred to a hospital in Chicago for further treatment. Additionally, four other individuals who were outside their vehicle also sustained injuries during this incident; however, these injuries have been classified as non-life-threatening.

As part of standard protocol for accidents like these, authorities took the semi-driver into custody and brought them to a local hospital for toxicology tests. The results are still pending; however, ISP has stated that they do not believe alcohol or drugs played any role in this unfortunate event.

Following investigations at the scene of impact, law enforcement impounded the truck involved in order to conduct post-crash inspections at an authorized tow lot. Multiple agencies including Hoosier Helpers, ISP Motor Carrier Enforcement, Hammond Police Department, Hammond Fire Department and Bert's Towing collaborated throughout this investigation process.

The Indiana State Police are urging anyone with additional information about this incident to come forward and assist in their ongoing investigation.

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If you or a loved one was a victim in this or a similar accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

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