DEKALB CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – Police out of DeKalb County say that a Fort Wayne man was hurt when his truck crashed into a tree Thursday morning. Right now, police say that alcohol and speed could be factors in the crash.
William J. Smith, 43, of Fort Wayne was driving on W Quincy Street in Altona, close to Garrett when his F-150 drove off the road for an unknown reason.
The truck hit a large tree with the front driver’s side bumper, which caused the car to catch fire and caused Smith to become trapped in the vehicle.
Police and firefighters arrived on the scene and were able to put out the fire. Smith had to be extricated by Garret Fire Department.
He was flown to Parkview Regional Medical Center in what police called stable but critical condition with leg and arm fractures.
The crash remains under investigation, but police say that speed and alcohol are suspected to be factors in the crash.
The DeKalb Co. Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Garrett Police Department, Indiana State Police, Garrett Fire Department, Parkview EMS and Parkview Samaritan.