HOBART, IN – A tragic accident claimed the lives of a 19-year-old woman and two young children early Friday after an SUV slammed into the back of a stopped semi-truck on Interstate 65 in Hobart.
Catastrophic Collision on Interstate 65
The crash occurred just minutes after midnight on Friday along I-65. According to the Indiana State Police, a blue Ford Explorer drifted onto the shoulder and struck a disabled semi-truck.
The impact caused extreme damage to the SUV. Hobart Fire Department Assistant Chief Ron Reed described the vehicle as being “basically cut in half.”
Victims Identified
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the three deceased passengers, all residents of Chicago:
- Raniah Simpson, 19
- Royce Sims, 9
- Artavius Sims, 5
A 7-year-old child survived the crash and was airlifted to the University of Chicago Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Driver Asleep, Charges Pending
Investigating officers stated that the driver of the SUV, 31-year-old Renee Foster, fell asleep at the wheel. State police also noted that alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. Both drivers submitted to mandatory blood draws, and results are currently pending.
Foster is now facing multiple criminal charges, including reckless driving and child restraint violations. Police confirmed that the children inside the SUV were not wearing seatbelts or secured in proper car seats.
An Urgent Safety Reminder for Parents
In the wake of this tragedy, Hobart fire officials are issuing an urgent reminder to all drivers about the critical importance of proper child restraints and seatbelts.
“Seatbelts save lives,” Assistant Chief Reed emphasized. “We’ve seen some of the worst accidents, and people walk away because they had a seatbelt on.”
To prevent future tragedies, the Hobart Fire Department is offering free safety car seats to any local residents in need. Parents can visit the Hobart station directly to receive a complimentary car seat and guidance on proper installation.
