Driver Seriously Injured When Object Strikes Windshield
Wednesday morning at approximately 9:50 a.m., Trooper Nathan Wolfe was dispatched to a single vehicle crash on I-80/94 at the 17.4 mile-marker. This location is approximately 2 miles east of Ripley St. Preliminary investigation by Trooper Wolfe shows that a 2011 Freightliner was eastbound, traveling in the center lane, when an object struck the windshield of the truck. The object appeared to have penetrated the windshield which resulted in the glass shattering. The driver suffered serious injuries that resulted in him having to be flown to Chicago from the scene for treatment.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Kahlil A. Blasingame, 23, from Phoenix, IL. The truck that he was driving is owned by CDS Transport Inc. of Cincinnati, OH.
Assisting at the scene was Joe’s Towing, Portage Fire/EMS and Hoosier Helpers.
Update –
Further investigation by Trooper Nathan Wolfe has resulted in his locating the object that struck the windshield and caused the serious injuries to Mr. Blasingame. Photographs of the item are below as well as a photo of the size of the hole made by the piece of metal when it struck the windshield.
Objects such as these have the potential to cause serious injuries, including death, to the occupants of a vehicle. Remember to make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and when hauling freight, it is secured safely.
