Semi crash covers I-65 in produce

Ind. (WLFI) - A crash on I-65 Wednesday morning injured two and covered the road in produce, causing a shutdown of the interstate for hours.

The crash took place around 8:30 a.m. near the 186 mile marker on I-65 southbound. The driver of a semi, 42-year-old Thomas E. Emerson of Chicago, Illinois, had pulled off onto the shoulder of the intersatate. His vehicle was struck by a refrigerated box truck driven by 36-year-old Dagoberto Perez of Cicero, Illinois.

According to police, Perez stated he fell asleep and drifted onto the shoulder.

Perez's truck was loaded with produce, which scattered over the highway following the crash and led to the close of the interstate.

Both Emerson and Perez received injuries police described as "non-lifethreatening." Both drivers were transported to St. Elizabeth East.

Perez was cited for being a fatigued driver.

Indiana State Police, Brookston Fire and Rescue, and the Indiana Department of Transportation and Monticello Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene.

Indiana State Police Sergeant Kim Riley said traffic along that stretch of Interstate was re-routed at the State Road 18 exit to State Road 43 while the mess was cleaned up.