Frank Denzler
A 911 cell phone call to the Rush County Sheriff’s Department shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday reported a head-on collision west of Arlington.
Multiple agencies responded to the 8000 block of West U.S. 52 where responders found the roadway littered with debris from both vehicles involved.
The accident claimed the life of Pauline Waggoner, 61, of Gwynneville and injured Evan JD Howard Meulen, 19, of Arlington.
Investigating officer deputy Randy Chandler of the RCSD said Waggoner was westbound behind the wheel of her 1998 Buick Regal when for unknown reasons Meulen’s eastbound 1993 Pontiac Bonneville crossed the centerline and entered her lane of travel.
“I took my eyes off the road and looked down for just a moment. I looked up just before we hit,” Meulen said.
Witnesses to the accident told investigators that Meulen’s vehicle drifted across the centerline and into the path of Waggoner, who attempted to swerve but was unable to avoid the collision.
The force of the impact caused extensive damage to both vehicles.
Waggoner’s westbound vehicle spun before leaving the north side of the road and coming to rest in a side ditch.
Meulen’s vehicle traveled nearly 100 feet prior to coming to rest and straddling the centerline of the road.
Meulen was able to remove himself from his vehicle following the accident. After treatment at the scene for facial lacerations and what were believed to be non-life threatening injures he was transported to Rush Memorial Hospital.
Waggoner was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of her injuries.
Assisting at the scene were units from the Rush County Sheriff’s Department, Posey Township Volunteer Fire Department, RMH Ambulance, Morristown Police Department, Morristown medical personnel, the Rush County Coroner’s office and Davis Towing.
Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
