Indiana State Police press release
Tuesday, April 5, the Indiana State Police began investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred on US 52 in southeast Franklin County that claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman.
The initial investigation by the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that at approximately 11 am, a 2006 Ford F-150, driven by Dennis Poland, age 30, was traveling eastbound on US 52 near St. Peter’s Road. The vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of a westbound 2022 Dodge Ram, driven by Kari Hogeback, age 30, Laurel. After the vehicles made contact, Poland’s vehicle slid sideways into the path of a westbound 2013 Volvo semi, driven by Joseph Barkley, age 60, Frankfort, Kentucky. Barkley’s vehicle collided with the passenger side of Poland’s vehicle.
As a result of the collision, a passenger in Poland’s vehicle, Makenzie Howell, age 20, sustained fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. Poland and Hogeback were both transported from the scene for treatment of injuries. Barkley was uninjured in the crash.
The investigation determined that speed was likely a factor in the crash. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.
A portion of US 52 between Cedar Grove and New Trenton was closed for several hours while the ISP investigated the accident.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Franklin County Fire and EMS, and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.