Tippecanoe County, IN — Authorities have confirmed that one person died Thursday night in a multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer on Interstate 65 southbound near Lafayette, according to officials with the Indiana State Police (ISP) and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).
Fatal Crash Closes I-65 Southbound Near Lafayette
The crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, when a semi-truck overturned during a collision that led to a complete shutdown of all southbound lanes near mile marker 176.5, between Swisher Road and State Road 25.
The Indiana Department of Transportation issued an alert shortly after the crash, warning drivers to avoid the area as emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and assist the injured.
At 9:11 p.m., the Indiana State Police Lowell Post confirmed that the crash was fatal and that the closure would remain in effect for an extended period as reconstruction teams investigated the scene.
Audi Rear-Ended by Semi-Truck
According to preliminary findings from the ISP Lafayette District Post, the crash involved a 2023 Audi SQ6 traveling southbound when it was rear-ended by a semi-truck.
Investigators believe the Audi was either stopped or moving slowly in the roadway at the time of impact. The force of the collision sent both vehicles off the west side of I-65, down an embankment, where they came to a rest, Fox59 reported.
Emergency responders immediately began life-saving measures on the Audi’s driver, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office.
The semi-truck driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene, police said.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased driver, pending family notification and formal identification. The Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office is assisting with the investigation, while the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team continues to examine the cause of the collision.
Traffic remained backed up for several hours Thursday night as crews worked to remove the overturned semi and clear debris from the interstate. Officials urged drivers to seek alternate routes and remain patient while the investigation continues.
Safety Reminder for Drivers
ISP officials reminded motorists to maintain safe following distances, remain alert, and reduce speed when traffic slows unexpectedly — particularly when driving near large commercial vehicles. Rear-end collisions involving semis can be especially deadly due to their massive size and reduced stopping distance.
Authorities have not yet determined whether speed, distraction, or road conditions played a role in the crash.
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