Driver killed, two teenage passengers seriously injured in semi-truck crash in Lake County, Indiana, sheriff says

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. (WLS) — A 19-year-old driver was killed and two teenage passengers had to be airlifted to Chicago hospitals after a crash Saturday morning in northwest Indiana.

The accident occurred around 11:45 a.m. near West 181st Avenue and Harrison Street in Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said.

Investigators said a passenger vehicle was attempting to turn west when it collided with an eastbound tractor-trailer.

The 19-year-old driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff said. Two people, ages 14 and 15, in the rear of the vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries in the accident.

The injured teens were flown to hospitals in Chicago. Her current condition was unknown.

The 67-year-old driver of the semi-truck was not injured in the accident, the sheriff said.

“While there are no words that can ease the pain of those affected by this tragedy, my heart goes out to the family and other loved ones of those involved,” Sheriff Martinez said in a news release.

The Lake County Sheriff continues to investigate the crash.