LAGRANGE COUNTY – Two people were injured in a multiple vehicle collision on the Indiana Toll Road in LaGrange County.

Indiana State Police say at approximately 5:30 PM Tuesday, troopers were sent to the 120 mile marker, which is northwest of Howe. When they arrived troopers found three commercial vehicles piled up and blocking both westbound lanes. The preliminary investigation determined that the westbound lanes were backed up and stopped due to road construction at the 118 mile marker. 69 year old Robert Klimek of Pennsylvania, was driving a semi and pulling a loaded car hauler. Klimek failed to see the stopped traffic and crashed into the back of a 2014 semi driven by 33 year old Mohammad Azami of Lakewood, OH. Azami's semi then crashed into the rear of a dump truck that was stopped in traffic, and driven by 49 year old Jason Nine of Lakeville, Indiana.

Klimek was trapped in his semi, and was removed by the Howe and Shipshewana Fire Departments. He was then flown by Samaritan Helicopter to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. The extent of his injuries is unknown Azami was transported by Parkview Ambulance to Parkview LaGrange Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. Nine was not injured.

Troopers say the westbound lanes of the Toll Road were closed for nearly four and a half hours Tuesday while crews worked to clear the vehicles and debris. The exact reason for this “construction zone” collision has not yet be clearly identified. Indiana State Police want to remind all motorists to slow down and pay attention, especially while navigating through construction zones.