INDIANAPOLIS — An investigation is underway after two firefighters were struck by a vehicle on Interstate 65 early Saturday morning.
The crash happened just after 4 a.m. on I-65 southbound between Kessler Boulevard and 38th Street.
According to the Indianapolis Fire Department, the firefighters were helping people get out of two vehicles that had run off the interstate and into a grassy area near mile marker 117. IFD was wrapping up its duties and waiting for state police to arrive at the scene when the firefighters were struck.
Officials indicated that one fire vehicle was in the far right lane and positioned at an angle to block oncoming traffic. An IFD engine was also stationed in the area.
Both fire vehicles had their lights on when a motorist drove through the scene, speeding along a gravel berm. The two firefighters that were injured in the incident were standing near one of their department vehicles when the motorist crashed.
The crash sent one of the firefighters airborne. Another firefighter was pinned beneath the motorist's vehicle during the crash.
Officials at the scene freed the firefighter who was trapped under the car and called emergency personnel to request additional resources.
One of the injured firefighters was checked out by medics at the scene and released. The other was admitted to Eskenazi Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Per IFD, the firefighter that was checked into Eskenazi was alert and oriented at the hospital.
Indiana State Police are still investigating the incident. The motorist involved in the crash, who IFD identified as a 30-year-old man, was taken into custody.
Per IFD, officials are trying to determine if the driver's speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
As of this article's publication, no additional information on the incident had been made available.