Pedestrian hurt in three-vehicle crash

Photo courtesy of Indiana State Police

Indiana State Police are investigating a three vehicle crash in Bartholomew County that injured a pedestrian. That incident took place at about 7:15 p.m. Monday on State Road 7 near US 31, closing that area for two hours.

Authorities say the initial investigation indicates that a car driven by 22-year-old Austin Rice, of Columbus, was traveling north on State Road 7 just south of US 31 when the vehicle suffered a mechanical issue. The vehicle came to a stop off the edge of the roadway. A pickup truck driven by 31-year-old Michael Williams, of North Vernon, arrived on scene to assist Rice. Ashley Sowerby, age 19, Columbus, also arrived in a different vehicle.

State Police say that a car being driven by 27-year-old Randy Robinson, of Columbus, was traveling northbound on State Road 7, approaching the other vehicles. They say Robinson was unable to slow down to avoid the slowed traffic. Robinson’s vehicle struck Sowerby, who was standing next to the roadway. Robinson’s vehicle then sideswiped a car driven by 22-year-old Stefan Dehaven, of Elizabethtown, before striking the rear of Williams’ vehicle.

Sowerby was transported by ambulance to Columbus Regional Health for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. She has since been treated and released. A passenger in Dehaven’s vehicle was also treated for minor injuries at CRH.

Robinson was transported to CRH for minor injuries. Authorities say he submitted to a blood test for intoxication. The results are pending.

The investigation is ongoing.