One person airlifted from Fountain County crash

FOUNTAIN COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - One person was airlifted from a personal injury crash in Fountain County Thursday afternoon.

Around 1:30 p.m., Indiana State Police responded to a crash on southbound US 41 near County Road 200 N.

An Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) truck, driven by 53-year-old Melvin E. Brier of Covington, Indiana, stopped on US 41, according to a trooper.

The truck's flashing lights and emergency roof lights were activated at the time. There were also signs advising of mowing crews along the roadway.

Brier was talking to the mowing crews when another truck, driven by 28-year-old Matthew J. Lawhorn of Covington, Indiana, hit the INDOT truck in the rear, damaging both trucks.

Lawhorn was taken to St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana by Lifeline Helicopter with non-life threatening injuries to his leg and ankle.

Brier was transported to IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana with complaints of back and neck pain.

Brier was wearing his seatbelt, Lawhorn was not.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police advise when entering a construction zone or a mowing zone, drivers should be aware of construction workers, machinery or vehicles moving slowly or stopping in the roadway.

Signs are posted well in advance to tell you that you are entering the zone and to be mindful of the area you have entered. Slow down and be prepared to stop if the conditions warrant.

Slow down and save a life. It may be your own.