CNHI
RUSHVILLE —
A caller to the Rush County Sheriff’s Department dispatch center reported an injury accident around 4 p.m. Thursday on SR 3 at the intersection of SR 244 west of Milroy. The caller advised that one driver was unable to get out of his vehicle. When responders arrived they found a 1995 Dodge Dakota pickup truck in a drainage ditch northeast of the intersecting state roads and the second vehicle, a 2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette van, facing east in the westbound lane of SR 244 east of the intersection. Investigating officer deputy Dave Sliger of the RCSD said Jason A. McClure, 39, of Brookville, was northbound on SR 3 when an eastbound Dodge van driven by Wilma L. Harmening, 69, of Franklin pulled into his path, leaving him few options. “I did stop and after looked both ways. I saw him coming but I thought it was a four-way stop and that everybody had to stop, so I pulled out,” Harmening said. McClure attempted to miss the van in his path but was unable to do so and struck the passenger side of the van before leaving the road, striking multiple INDOT signs, going down a steep incline and coming to rest with the driver’s side door pinned against a drainage pipe. Following impact Harmening’s damaged vehicle continued through the intersection before coming to a stop. McClure was treated at the scene by medical personnel from the Anderson Township Volunteer Ambulance service prior to transport to Rush Memorial Hospital for unspecified injuries. Although shaken by the experience Harmening was not injured. “I am so sorry, hope he is all right,” Harmening said as she watched medical personnel place McClure in a nearby ambulance. Although Milroy resident Jim Hunt did not see the accident he heard it from his nearby home and went to the accident scene to assist responders. “Accidents happen here all of the time. Drivers unfamiliar with the area think that the flashing light is a four -way stop and then pull out in front of someone,” the Milroy man said. Assisting at the scene were units from the ATVFD, RCSD and Davis Towing. Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. Visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.