Semi driver ID'd from I-70 fatal accident

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - A fatal accident on Interstate 70 in Putnam County closes the highway in both directions.

Around 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon, a semi-tanker heading westbound lost control, hit a bridge abutment, and flipped into the median.

The driver of the vehicle, George F. Leggett, 65, of Columbus, Ohio, was killed in the crash.

The tanker was carrying acetone, a chemical twice as flammable as gasoline.

Hazmat crews were called to the site to clean up the spill.

Those crews are still on the scene and will continue to clean up throughout the day Tuesday.

As of 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, lanes in both directions are back open.

Officials say not concentrating on the roadway is the number one cause of these accidents.

"Be carefull. Be a defensive driver. Don't be an aggressive driver, don't be an offensive driver," says State Trooper Marcus Tow. "always be aware of everyone around you. People not paying attention to their surroundings really is what causes the crashes."