A portion of West Pahs Road starting from South Woodland Avenue through Chickadee Drive is currently closed off as officials with the Michigan City Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department, and NIPSCO clear the scene where at least one person was pronounced dead as a result of a fiery crash.<\/p>\n
According to witnesses, a vehicle was reportedly traveling westbound on Pahs Road at approximately 7:30 p.m. when the vehicle lost control and left the roadway on the north shoulder plowing through one power pole and leaving the pole dangling from power lines above.<\/p>\n
The vehicle then clipped a second pole and collided with two stone pillars that held the Canterbury House Apartments sign and a power distribution box causing several explosions.<\/p>\n
One resident who lives in the apartments directly alongside Pahs Road stated that he heard at least four explosions while he was in his home and a fifth explosion when he came out to see what had happened.<\/p>\n
After seeing the vehicle in flames, Tyler Jaeger\u00a0attempted to help the occupants of the vehicle calling out for them but got no response.<\/p>\n
“I kept yelling ‘Are you okay’, but didn’t get a response,” Jaeger stated.<\/p>\n
Officers blocked routes down Pahs Road preventing anyone, including residents from driving near the scene due to the condition of the power lines.<\/p>\n
One power pole was left hanging solely by the overhead power lines with no ground support while a second pole was left splintered with wood pieces strewn all across the intersection of Pahs Road and Chickadee Drive.<\/p>\n
The Canterbury House Apartments sign which once was supported by two stone pillars now lay in shambled bricks on the pavement and in the ditch near the remains of the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Officers on scene were unable to release any information at this time as the incident is still being investigated, but have confirmed there was at least one fatality whose name has not yet been released until officers can notify next of kin.<\/p>\n
Firefighters with the Michigan City Fire Department worked quickly to extinguish the flames from the burning vehicle leaving a metal shell of the vehicle behind.<\/p>\n
NIPSCO workers on the scene were unable to give an estimate on when the road will be reopened and safe for traveling.<\/p>\n
More information on this incident will be released as soon as it becomes available.<\/p>\n\n\t\t