INDOT flagman killed by driver in Putnam County

MORTON, Ind. (WLFI) - An Indiana Department of Transportation worker was killed Tuesday when he was struck by a vehicle in a construction zone.

The incident happened at 10:18 a.m. on U.S. 36 in Putnam County, approximately one-half mile west of County Road 600 West.

INDOT workers were removing dirt and debris from the roadway edges in the area.

A flagman was directing traffic when the driver of a 2006 white Toyota Matrix failed to stop and veered to the right to avoid a rear-end collision. That's when troopers said the driver struck the flagman.

The flagman, identified as 27-year-old Steven Overbay of Roachdale, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, 79-year-old Cleve Scott of Rockville, suffered an arm fracture and cuts. He was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

The case will be forwarded to the Putnam County Prosecutor's Office for possible charges.

Indiana law states a person could be charged with a felony for causing the death of a state highway worker. If charged, Scott could face up to eight years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.

ISP investigators also noted there were five signs warning traffic on the flagman and the construction site.

Overbay was also wearing a high visibility reflective vest at the time of the accident.