Fatal Crash Closes Indianapolis Blvd Overnight
On Sunday, August 23, at approximately 2:40 AM, Hammond police were dispatched to the intersection of Indianapolis Boulevard and Fifth Avenue in reference to an accident, according to Lt. Steve Kellogg of The Hammond Police. Investigators arrived and learned that the collision took place between a vehicle and a semi truck, Kellogg said.
Witnesses in the area said the vehicle possibly drove underneath the semi trailer in the intersection before crashing into numerous utility poles and cutting power off to the area. The car briefly caught fire after the collision but was extinguished quickly. Rescue crews had a hard time getting to the victim with numerous power lines down that were still energized. The stop lights at the intersection also collapsed during the collision shutting down all directions at the intersection.
A male was killed during the accident and blood alcohol tests are being performed on the deceased to determine if alcohol was a factor, Kellogg stated. The Lake County Coroner has identified the victim as Gabriel Villanueva, 22, of Chicago. More information will be released as this investigation continues, Hammond Police said Sunday morning.
