SUBJECT: Crash with Injury
RELEASE NUMBER: 2014-NR-002
CONTACT: Lt. Jana Wade
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Eric Williams
On Thursday, January 16, 2014 at approximately 5:45 pm, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded to a crash at the intersection of St. Joseph Avenue and Diamond Avenue. When deputies arrived on scene, they found five passenger cars were involved in the crash. The crash caused the northbound lanes of St. Joseph Avenue at Diamond Avenue to be shut down for approximately one hour.
Witnesses stated to deputies that a silver Jeep Cherokee traveling westbound on Diamond Avenue turned south at the intersection of St. Joseph Avenue into the path of a beige Mercury Mountaineer which was traveling east. The two vehicles collided in the intersection causing a chain reaction and both vehicles struck three other vehicles which were stopped northbound on St. Joseph Avenue. Witnesses advised both eastbound and westbound lanes of travel on Diamond Avenue had a green light at the intersection.
The driver of the Mercury Mountaineer, Gena Welsh, could not be interviewed at the scene. She was taken to Deaconess Hospital with a serious leg injury. The driver of the other four vehicles refused treatment at the scene.
The driver of the Jeep Cherokee, Austin Doerflein, was transported to Deaconess Hospital for a blood test which is standard procedure. However, deputies do not believe drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash.
Driver #1: Austin Doerflein, W/M, 19 YOA, Mt. Vernon, Indiana
Driver #2: Gena Welsh, W/F, 49 YOA, Evansville, Indiana
Driver #3: Hope Koontz, W/F, 41 YOA Evansville, Indiana
Driver #4: Teresa Vanmeter, W/F, 57 YOA, Evansville, Indiana
Driver #5: Bruce Davis, W/M, 53 YOA, Evansville, Indiana
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