AUSTIN, Ind. (WHAS11) -- State police are investigating a fatal accident that happened around 2:30 a.m. Friday on Interstate 65 north in Scott County.
Police said 2013 Peterbilt semi pulling a 53 foot box trailer was heading northbound and lost control when it crashed through the guardrail. The 18-wheeler went between the guardrail and a concrete bridge barrier, down an embankment, finally stopping when it crashed into another concrete barrier.
The trailer came loose from the tractor and smashed the cab, killing the 47-year-old driver later identified Lazaro A. Melendez of Antioch, TN, which is just south of Nashville, TN.
Snowy, icy roads are believed to be a factor in the crash, police said.
Northbound I-65 has since reopened, but U.S. 31 remains closed in both directions.
