INDOT worker killed in crash

PUTNAM COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - A road worker with the Indiana Department of Transportation died Tuesday after he was hit by an oncoming car in Putnam County, Indiana State Police reported.

The worker, identified as Steven Overbay, 27, of Roachdale, Ind., had been removing dirt and debris from the edges of the roadway on U.S. 36 near County Road 600 West, when he was hit by a 2006 Toyota Matrix, police said.

Authorities said eastbound traffic along the highway had been stopped by an INDOT flagman when the Toyota apparently failed to stop and “veered to the right in an apparent attempt to avoid a rear-end collision with stopped traffic,” according to an ISP press release. Police believe that’s when the Toyota hit the worker who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as Cleve Scott, 79, of Rockville, Ind., was also taken to Methodist Hospital for an arm fracture and lacerations, authorities reported.

Investigators report there were five signs in the area warning traffic of the roadwork and that Mr. Overbay had been wearing a required high-visibility reflective vest at the time of the incident. State Police are still investigating the crash.