Semi’s Collide Snarling Traffic for Hours

CENTERVILLE, IN – Yesterday morning at approximately 9:40 a.m. two westbound semi-tractor trailers collided on I-70 at the 148 mile marker just east of Centerville.  It seems a tractor trailer driven by Jordache White, 27, of Thebes Illinois was merging into the driving lane from the berm when a tractor pulling a flat bed with steel beams, driven by George Reimer, 49, of Kingsville Ontario, came over the hill in the driving lane.   

Reimer was unable to tell that White’s semi was not up to speed; he was unable to stop and rammed the back of Whites 2000 Freightliner that was pulling a box trailer loaded with produce. 

Both semis ended up off the north side of the interstate with both westbound lanes blocked at the location.  Reimer had to be extricated from his 2004 International tractor and was air lifted to Miami Valley Hospital with leg and internal injuries.  White refused medical treatment. 

I-70 traffic was routed off at the 149 exit to US35 to SR 38 to Sr 1 to get back to I-70.  The passing lane was reopened around 10:30 a.m.  The driving lane remained closed. 

The box trailer and tractor was off loaded and removed from the interstate last night around 8 p.m.  Crews are currently working to remove the flat bed semi from the north side of I-70.  Motorists can expect lane restrictions there this morning as crews continue working.