LIGONIER, Ind. — A crash involving a car speeding away from police sent five people, including an Indiana State Trooper, to the hospital.
Indiana State Police said the crash happened just before 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Highway 33 in Ligonier, Indiana.
Before the crash, a trooper reportedly attempted to stop a Mercedes traveling over 100 mph on Highway 6. The trooper ended the pursuit over concerns the chase posed a serious risk to other drivers.
Shortly after, the Mercedes crashed into two other cars near the intersection of Highway 33 and Highway 6 after allegedly ignoring a traffic light and slamming into the back of a Nissan Rogue that had just turned onto Highway 33.
The impact sent the Nissan Rogue into a ditch with heavy damage as the Mercedes continued over the center line, sideswiping an Acura.
The 23-year-old driver of the Mercedes was extricated from the car with serious injuries and taken by ambulance to a hospital in Fort Wayne.
Both the driver and passenger of the Nissan Rogue were seriously injured and had to be extricated. The driver was transported by ambulance, while the passenger was airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital.
The adult driver and passenger of the Acura sustained minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to a hospital in Kendallville.
While helping the passengers of the Nissan Rogue, the trooper involved in the initial pursuit suffered cuts on his hands and arms and was treated at a local hospital. He was later released.
Highway 33 south of Highway 6 was closed for nearly five hours while police investigated and cleaned up the crash.
Police believe excessive speed, alcohol, and drugs were contributing factors.
Indiana State Police are leading the investigation and said criminal charges are expected. The Noble County prosecutor will determine if charges are filed.
Ligonier is located in far northern Indiana in Noble County, about 200 miles north of Bloomington.
