Indiana State Police Investigate Serious High-Speed ​​Crash on US 33 in Ligonier – Mercer County Outlook

(Ligonier, Indiana) (9/14/24) – Indiana State Police are investigating a high-speed crash that occurred at approximately 8:25 a.m. this morning on US 33 south of US 6 in Ligonier. The crash, which involved three passenger vehicles, left five people injured, three seriously, and transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne either by air or ambulance.

Prior to the accident, the vehicle alleged to have caused the accident was allegedly involved in a pursuit with an Indiana State Trooper. That trooper reported seeing a 2011 Mercedes C-Class traveling eastbound on US 6 west of Ligonier at over 100 mph. When the trooper attempted to stop the Mercedes, a pursuit ensued. At some point, after the pursuit had crossed several streets on the outskirts of Ligonier, it continued south on State Road 5 back to Ligonier, whereupon the trooper terminated the pursuit due to the public danger. Shortly thereafter, the fleeing Mercedes was involved in an accident on US 33 south of the intersection with US 6. (SR5 becomes US 33 at the intersection with US 6.)

An Indiana State Police accident reconstruction investigator has been assigned to conduct the entire investigation.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2011 Mercedes C-Class car was traveling south on State Road 5 at a high rate of speed and failed to obey the traffic light at the intersection with US 6. It then collided with the rear of a 2019 Nissan Rogue SUV that had just turned south from US 6 onto US 33. The impact caused the Nissan Rogue to land on its side in the ditch. The Mercedes then sped to the left and struck the side of a 2004 Acura car traveling north before coming to a stop. Extreme speed, alcohol and drugs are suspected to be contributing factors.

The driver of the Mercedes, identified as Ethan Aza (23) from Warsaw, INwas seriously injured in the accident. There were no other passengers in the Mercedes. After Aza was extricated by the Ligonier Fire Department, she was transported by Parkview EMS to PRMC in Fort Wayne in serious condition.

Both the driver and passenger of the Nissan Rogue sustained serious injuries in the crash. After being extricated by fire/rescue personnel, the adult passenger was transported to PRMC in Fort Wayne by Samaritan helicopter in critical condition. The driver was transported to PRMC by ambulance.

The adult driver and adult passenger of the Acura vehicle both suffered minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to Parkview Noble in Kendallville.

The officer involved in the pursuit of the Mercedes was one of the first officers to arrive on the scene. He suffered cuts to his hands and arms while attempting to rescue the occupants of the Nissan Rogue. He was taken to Parkview Noble in Kendallville, where he was treated and later released.

As a result of the accident, US33 south of US6 had to be closed for nearly five hours during the investigation and cleanup.

This is an ongoing investigation by the Indiana State Police and charges are expected to be filed once the overall investigation is complete. This will be turned over to the Noble County Prosecutor for full review and determination of charges to be filed.

The Indiana State Police were assisted at the scene by the Noble County Sheriff's Department, Ligonier Police Department, Avilla Police Department, Ligonier Fire Department, Cromwell Fire Department, Parkview EMS, Parkview Samaritan and Leatherman Towing Service.