Three juveniles were killed and another suffered life-threatening injuries early Friday morning after an SUV crashed into a parked semi-truck along Interstate 65 near Hobart, according to Indiana State Police.
The crash occurred around midnight on May 15 on southbound I-65 near the 257.2 mile-marker, approximately one mile south of Ridge Road.
Investigators say a blue Ford Explorer traveling southbound rear-ended a white Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck with an attached box trailer that was parked on the right shoulder due to mechanical issues.
Indiana State Police identified the driver of the Explorer as 31-year-old Renee Foster of Gary. Police allege Foster fell asleep while driving, causing the SUV to leave the roadway and strike the parked trailer at a high rate of speed.
The impact caused catastrophic damage to the Explorer and significant damage to the trailer.
According to investigators, a juvenile passenger seated unrestrained in the front passenger seat was ejected from the vehicle and died from injuries sustained in the crash.
A second juvenile passenger seated in the rear left seat and a third juvenile seated in the middle rear seat also suffered fatal injuries. Police said neither child was properly restrained at the time of the crash.
A fourth juvenile passenger seated in the third-row middle seat suffered severe injuries and was flown by medical helicopter to the University of Chicago for treatment of potentially life-threatening injuries. Investigators said that child also was not properly restrained.
The driver of the semi was not injured.
Indiana State Police said the birth years and identities of the juveniles remain under investigation.
Both drivers consented to blood draws, with results still pending. Investigators believe alcohol consumption may have been a factor in the crash.
Police said felony charges will be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration against Foster. Proposed charges include four counts of Neglect of a Dependent as Level 5 felonies, Reckless Driving as a Class A misdemeanor, Driving with a Suspended Vehicle Registration as a Class C misdemeanor, and four child restraint violations.
Additional operating while intoxicated charges could be considered once toxicology results are completed.
As of Friday morning, Foster was not in custody and remained hospitalized for treatment of upper body injuries.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
