A single-vehicle accident in the 6000 block of South Base Road claimed the life of a Morristown man, later identified as Brett Robinson, 40, and injured his 12-year-old daughter. The incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday.
There were no witnesses to the tragic accident; however, a nearby neighbor knew something had happened when his electrical power went out.
According to Bruce Anderson, shortly after he went to investigate he found downed power lines, a heavily damaged pickup truck and a distraught young girl saying her dad was not moving, not far from his residence.
“My electric went off and I went up to check the hog barn to see if the power was off up their too. When I pulled up, I saw the truck and the downed lines so I pulled up a little further and stopped to call it in when this girl was running back down the road toward my truck screaming for help,” Anderson said.
According to investigating officer deputy Doug Keith of the Rush County Sheriff’s Department, Robinson and his daughter were northbound on Base Road when, after crossing CR 600S, he apparently struck standing water on the road and lost control of his 2005 Ford pickup truck.
It appears the vehicle left the east side of the county road and went airborne before striking a RushShelby pole. Once the truck came to rest, Robinsons’ daughter was able to free herself and managed to avoid touching energized electrical lines as she went in search of help.
The force of impact sheared the pole nearly five feet above the ground.
The truck then came to rest upright facing east in a nearby field with live power lines on top of the vehicle.
As a result of the live power lines responders were unable to reach the driver, who was later determined to have been killed instantly due to massive internal injuries, and stood nearby as they awaited the arrival of RushShelby personnel.
“There is nothing I can do, all I can do is wait until the power is turned off. I can not put myself or others in a dangerous position,” an unidentified responder said.
Once the power was cut off, medical and fire personnel worked to gain access to the trapped driver. During the process of rolling and striking the power pole, the roof of the truck collapsed on top of the driver, pinning him inside.
To gain access responders had to remove the roof and drivers side door of the Ford.
As a result of his injuries Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
The young passenger was treated at the scene by medical personnel from Anderson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Milroy EMS and RMH Ambulance for a head laceration and an injured hand. She was later transported to RMH.
Responding to the accident were units from the RCSD, ATVF, Milroy EMS, RMH Ambulance, Davis Towing, RushShelby Energy and the Rush County Coroner’s office.
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.
News
Related Photos
Discussion
Man killed in Thursday night accident
12-year-old daughter survives crash
- News
-
-
Reynolds graduates Top of Class from State Excise School
Rush County resident and former RPD officer Brandon Reynolds recently graduated with top scholastic honors in his class, from the Indiana State Excise School in Indianapolis.
-
Pavey elected to ARa board
Rushville's Mayor Mike Pavey was elected secretary of the board of directors of Administrative Resources association (ARa) at its quarterly meeting held earlier this month in Columbus.
-
Local Ham Radio enthusiast to host license testing
For a number of years a number of local and county residents have spoken to individuals throughout the world via their amateur radio, more commonly known as ham radios.
-
Two escape serious injury in SR 44 collision
Shortly after 6 p.m. Monday the report of a two-vehicle collision west of Glenwood on SR 44 resulted in multiple departments responding to the area.
-
Super security goes into place for Super Bowl
Law enforcement officials charged with Super Bowl security are taking extraordinary measures to prevent a terrorist attack, but they’re also working to keep the event from being a field day for common criminals.
-
Candidate filing is underway
Rush County Clerk Debbie Richardson reminds area residents that filing for candidacy for the May 8 primary began Jan. 11 and ends at noon Feb. 10.
-
Tenderloin supper
RCHS Band Boosters will sponsor their annual tenderloin supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday before the home basketball game.
-
Small Steps for Health & Wealth
Purdue Extension educator Gracie Marlatt wants to help Rush County residents who want to increase their health and wealth in 2012 by sharing the following news from the Families, Food, and Fitness Community of Practice.
-
School board
The Rush County Schools Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 7 has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8.
-
Contracts signed with Carthage, Anderson Township
The Rush County Commissioners met for the third time of the new year and entered into signed agreements with two volunteer departments, Carthage and Anderson Township, to provide EMS service for 2012.
- More News Headlines
-
Romney Takes Strong Lead in Nevada GOP Victory
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
