Crash Casues Dodge Stratus to Catch Fire

JACKSON COUNTY, IN - On Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 6:45 p.m., Indiana State Police responded to a three car crash on US 31 near County Road 275 North.  A Dodge Stratus, struck head-on, caught fire after the crash.  Troopers Andrew Forgey and Matthew Simmons were the investigating officers.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 1996 black Dodge CXI car, driven by Chad S. Thompson, 22, of Commiskey, IN, was traveling south on US 31 when his vehicle crossed left of center for an unknown reason.  His vehicle struck a trailer being pulled by a black 2006 Toyota pick-up truck, driven by Robert W. Hess, 53, of Franklin, IN, who was traveling in the opposite direction.  The CXI continued left of center crashing head-on into a green 1997 Dodge Stratus, driven by Rebecca G. Smallwood, 34, of Crothersville. 

Smallwood was taken to Schneck Medical Center for treatment and listed in stable condition.  Thompson was taken to Schneck Medical Center for treatment and later transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for further treatment. 

Troopers believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.  US-31 was shut down for over an hour where the crash occurred.

Assisting agencies were the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Jackson-Washington County Volunteer Fire Department, Seymour Police Department, and the Jackson County Ambulance.

Source: Indiana State Police

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