(Updated) Multi-vehicle crash closes U.S. 231

Monday morning’s icy conditions contributed to a multi-vehicle pileup that closed U.S. 231 between Huntingburg and Jasper for about 2.5 hours.

According to Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang, they were dispatched to the scene at about 5:46 a.m. for the report of a crash involving multiple vehicles.

According to the sheriff’s office, a southbound vehicle on U.S. 231 lost control on the ice-covered roadway, crossing into the northbound lane and colliding with another vehicle. Due to the icy conditions, several additional vehicles were unable to stop in time and subsequently became involved in the crash.

A total of 13 vehicles were involved, according to the sheriff’s office. One individual sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Jasper Volunteer Fire Department responded with 12 firefighters and one truck to help provide care for anyone involved in the crash. Due to the time of day, they also responded to the scene with their light truck and called the Huntingburg Volunteer Fire Department to provide additional lighting.

Hochgesang said most of their work was checking on the folks involved and helping them keep warm while the scene was cleared. Many stayed in the responding ambulances.

The pile-up pushed traffic onto alternative county roads, but slick conditions there also contributed to slide-offs and difficulties, backing traffic up for miles. Tow trucks were responding to multiple slide-offs across the county, which slowed clearing the scene on U.S. 231 and forced it to remain closed for an extended period.

Hochgesang noted that the Jasper department had just conducted extrication training the night before. Despite the apparent severity of the crashes, they didn’t need to use those skills during the incident.