FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) says that one person was critically injured in a crash that shut down I-69 for hours Thursday night. It happened on the northbound side of the interstate close to the Lima Road exit.
Police were dispatched around 10:20 p.m. to the 311-mile marker for the crash and found multiple people who were hurt.
The FWPD says two vehicles were involved in the crash. Police said that they believe a minivan struck a car that was stopped on the interstate. A statement said the car did not have its lights on.
The driver of that car ended up trapped inside. First responders were able to free the driver, and they were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Police think alcohol was a factor in the crash but didn’t elaborate.
The FWPD released the following:
On September 24, 2026, at approximately 10:21 p.m., the Fort Wayne Police Department responded to a traffic accident on northbound Interstate 69 near the 311.8-mile marker. Officers arrived and located two vehicles involved: a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu and a gray Chrysler Pacifica. Multiple injuries were reported.
The driver of the Chevrolet Malibu was found trapped inside the vehicle. Fort Wayne Fire Department personnel extricated the driver, who then received medical aid at the scene before being transported to a local hospital in life-threatening condition.
Preliminary investigation indicates the Chevrolet Malibu was stopped on northbound I-69 with no lights activated when it was struck from behind by the northbound Chrysler Pacifica. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision.
Due to the severity of injuries, the FWPD Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) responded and has assumed responsibility for the investigation. The FWPD Air Support Unit (ASU) is assisting with aerial documentation of the scene.
Northbound traffic on I-69 is being rerouted at Exit 311 (Lima Road South) while the investigation remains ongoing. Lanes are approximated to be open by 1:30am
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