Two Die in Single Car Crash on I-80

LAKE COUNTY, IN - On Sunday morning at approximately 6:58 a.m., the Indiana State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on I-80 east bound at Calumet Avenue that resulted in the death of the driver and passenger.  Trooper Brian White investigated the crash.

Preliminary investigation and witnesses stated that a green 2000 Ford Taurus was east bound approaching Calumet Avenue when the car suddenly jerked and went sideways to the left.  It then went across all lanes of east bound traffic and up the embankment of the Calumet Avenue exit ramp where it then struck the sound barrier wall with its' driver's side. 

The driver, who was not wearing his seat belt, landed on top of the front seat passenger.  The passenger who was wearing his seat belt was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lake County Coroner.  It is believed that some type of mechanical failure happened with the vehicle.

The driver, later identified as Charles M. Levi, 51 of Glenwood, Illinois, was life -lined from the scene and died being flown to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois.  The passenger was tentatively identified as Neal Houston, 26 of East Chicago, Indiana.  Families of both have been notified.  Drug and alcohol results are pending.

All lanes of east bound I-80 were closed for reconstruction of the crash, removal of the injured and deceased and the vehicle.  All lanes were reopened at approximately 9:55 a.m.

Assisting agencies:

•   Hammond Fire Department
•   Hammond Police Department
•   Lake County Coroner's Office

Source: Indiana State Police

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