Two airlifted from I-70 accident

CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Indiana State Police and Clay County emergency agencies responded to a two-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 70 near the 25 mile marker.

An initial investigation revealed that Joey Barker, 27, of Elk City, Oklahoma was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche eastbound on I-70 approaching a construction zone.

Both lanes of traffic were nearly at a complete stop due the construction around 7:02 p.m.

Barker failed to slow down, and attempted to avoid an initial collision by switching over to the passing lane. 

Upon switching lanes, Barker's pickup struck the rear of a semi, and trapped his passenger, Cody Finley, 19, and him for nearly an hour, until members of the Poser and Jackson Township Fire Departments were able to extricated the pair.

Barker was flown to Methodist Hospital by Lifeline Air Ambulance and Finely was airlifted to Methodist Hospital by Air Evac Air Ambulance.

Barker and Finley appeared to have suffered lacerations, abrasions, and internal injuries.

It is unknown if seatbelts were in use, but airbags were deployed. It is unknown at this time if alcohol and drugs were a factor.

James Tew, 64, was driving the semi and received no injuries from the crash.

The crash was investigated by ISP First Sergeant Jeff Hearon. Assisting were ISP Troopers Yan Dravigne and Tyler Van Ness, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Search/Rescue, and Trans Care Ambulance Service.