Fortville woman killed in pile-up accident Friday – The Daily Reporter

HANCOCK COUNTY – Officials with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department say a Fortville woman has died in a traffic accident.

Sheriff’s Department officials said Hancock County Sheriff’s Department members were called to Ind. 234 and CR 50W in Fortville around 11:15 a.m. Friday for a multi-vehicle crash.

When officers arrived on scene, they called the Hancock County Fatal Accident Crash Team (FAC) due to the severity of the accident.

The accident involved a Ford Escape (model year 2019) and a Chevy Aveo (model year 2004). The Chevy had a female driver who died at the scene of the accident. The Ford had a female driver who was taken to Methodist Hospital by police with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Chevy was identified as Lavonne Barber, 81, of Fortville, who was pronounced dead at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Her family has been notified of her death.

The driver of the Ford was identified as Melinda Newby, 45, of Centerville, who cooperated with the investigation. She was taken by police to Methodist Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. She was also wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Officials say the Ford was traveling east on Ind. 234 toward Wilkinson. The Chevy was traveling north on CR 50W toward Fortville. A witness was on the scene and gave a statement to police officers.

Evidence at the scene indicates that the Chevy did not come to a complete stop at the intersection of Ind. 234 and CR 50W before continuing north on CR 50W. The Ford had the right of way and there was no stop sign.

Officials say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor at this time. The investigation is ongoing. The area was closed for approximately two hours while officers from the Hancock County Fatal Accident Crash Team investigated.

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to always wear their seatbelt and remain alert while driving.

Members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Fortville Police Department, Greenfield Police Department and Vernon Township Fire Department assisted at the scene.