From an ISP news release from Sgt. John Bowling, public information officer, Pendleton District
New Castle – A two-vehicle crash just after 10 p.m., Tuesday night, August 11, in New Castle sent seven people to the hospital, including five children ranging in ages from 1 year old to 11.
New Castle Police initially responded to the crash between a Dodge Ram pickup and a Dodge Journey crossover-type vehicle at 1000 N. 16th St. in front of Henry Community Health Hospital. New Castle officers then requested Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Investigators.
The preliminary investigation by ISP Trooper Mark Dupart, with assistance from Reconstruction Investigators Sergeant Danielle Elwood-Henderson and Trooper Mark Hanna, indicates the Dodge Ram, driven by Derek Bacon, age 29 of New Castle, was northbound on 16th St. and was believed to be at a high rate of speed and with no lighting on. The Dodge Journey, driven by Jacquelyn K. Clayson, age 37, also of New Castle, was eastbound on a short drive that runs from 14th St. to 16th St., when she pulled out to cross 16th St. into the path of the northbound truck. The truck struck the Journey in the passenger side door.
The force of the collision knocked the Journey more than 200 feet to the northeast into the yard of Henry Community Health Hospital. Clayson, the driver of the Journey, had to be flown by medical helicopter from Henry Community Health to a hospital in Indianapolis with what is believed to be life-threatening injuries. Derek Bacon, along with the five children who were in his truck ranging in ages from 1 year old to 11 years old, were all checked out at Henry Community Health Hospital and released.
Trooper Dupart was assisted in his investigation by ISP Crash Reconstruction Investigators Sergeant Danielle Elwood-Henderson and Trooper Mark Hanna; New Castle Police Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Department and Henry County EMS. The crash remains under investigation.