Fatal Crash Reported on US 35 in Starke County

A person is dead following a crash involving a commercial vehicle and a passenger car Monday morning in Starke County.

According to the Starke County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched at approximately 8:35 a.m. to the area of US 35 north of 700 North for a reported crash involving a commercial vehicle and a passenger vehicle.

Investigators say a commercial vehicle hauling a roll-off dumpster was traveling southbound on US 35 when a large piece of wood fell from the container, striking a northbound 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. After being struck, the SUV left the roadway and came to rest in a nearby field.

The driver of the Equinox was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity, pending notification of family.

A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with what were described as apparent minor injuries.

The driver of the commercial vehicle was identified as Paul Brust, 50, of Knox.

Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Hamlet Fire Department, Starke County EMS, Starke County Coroner’s Office, Indiana State Police, Knox Police Department, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

The crash remains under investigation.