Three killed, four critically injured in Pike County crash
Indiana State Police are investigating a crash that resulted in three deaths and four juveniles being critically injured in a head-on collision in Pike County.
According to police, at approximately 7:42 p.m., a Pike County Sheriff’s Department deputy was traveling westbound on State Road 64 with his emergency lights and siren activated while responding to investigate an active domestic violence call at the Country Junction gas station near the intersection of State Road 64 and State Road 61.
According to police, as they approached the gas station, a red Toyota Camry believed to be involved in the domestic violence incident left. The deputy observed the Camry run another motorist off the roadway before continuing eastbound on State Road 64. The deputy then observed the Camry fail to stop at the flashing red signal controlling the four-way stop at the intersection of State Road 61 and State Road 64.
As the deputy approached the area, the Camry crossed into the deputy’s lane and attempted to strike the deputy’s vehicle. The deputy avoided the collision, turned around and initiated a pursuit of the Camry.
A short time later, near CR 900 E, the Camry crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Toyota Sienna driven by 41-year-old Amanda Wertman of Winslow. Four juveniles were also traveling in the Sienna.
Wertman and the driver of the Camry were pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The identity of the Camry driver will be released at a later time by the Pike County Coroner’s Office.
All four juveniles traveling in the Sienna were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Wertman’s 8-year-old daughter was later pronounced deceased at a Louisville, Kentucky hospital. The three other juveniles remain hospitalized and are expected to recover.
The Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
Earlier information:
Through social media, family and friends have shared fundraising pages to support the recovery of those injured in the crash.
Through these posts, the identities of the deceased, Amanda Wertman and her 8-year-old daughter Michaela, were released along with a plea to support her husband and son, Theodore. Theodore was also injured in the crash. You can view details at this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-theodore-wertman-and-family
Another page seeking support for a girl named Oaklie involved in the crash with updates on her condition can be viewed here https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-oaklie-and-her-family
Cierrah Freeland created a GoFundMe page for her niece, Amelia, stating she was life-flighted from Jasper and is currently receiving care at Norton Children’s Hospital. View more here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-amelias-recovery-after-the-collision
