2004 Ford van after it struck Deere mower

Grass mower along I-94 struck making U-turn

Contributed By:The 411 News

The operator of a grass mower has been hospitalized in serious condition after attempting a u-turn along I-94 in Porter County.

Indiana State Police Trooper Brandon Lankford responded to the crash scene in the westbound lanes of I-94 near the 26.6 mile marker at approximately 7a.m. this morning. ISP Motor Carrier units arrived first and reported that a tractor pulling a lawn mower had been struck by a vehicle.

Preliminary investigation shows that a John Deere tractor with a pull-behind mower deck, was traveling eastbound along the north ditch of I-94. The tractor had to stop mowing at a bridge pillar.

The operator of the tractor then drove into the westbound lanes in an attempt to make a U-turn and proceed back westbound along the same north shoulder. However, the driver of the tractor, Harold D. Johns, 68, from Winamac, IN, failed to yield to a white 2004 Ford van that was travelling in the right lane.

The driver of the van was not able to avoid colliding with the tractor in the roadway.

The operator of the tractor sustained serious injuries and was flown to South Bend Memorial Hospital for treatment. The driver of the van, Andrew M. Weston, 27, from Michigan City, IN, was not injured and refused medical treatment at the scene. The ISP spokesman said alcohol and drugs are not believed to be a factor in the crash.

All the westbound lanes were closed for approximately 4 hours for crash investigation and scene cleanup. Assisting at the scene was Cloverleaf Towing, INDOT, and the Chesterton Fire Department.

Story Posted:06/21/2022