MITCHELL, IN : Driver hurt in Friday morning crash on Friday, February 17th 2017

Logan Gilstrap, 27, of Orleans, was airlifted to University Hospital in Louisville Friday after his vehicle struck a steel pole on the northeast corner of the intersection of State Road 37 and State Road 60 East.

A report filed by the Mitchell Police Department states Gilstrap was initially was trapped in his vehicle, which caught fire. Gilstrap suffered injuries to his knee and lower right leg and foot.

The accident occurred at 6:22 a.m.

Gilstrap was driving a 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP.

A witness who works at the McDonald’s restaurant, on the northeast corner of the intersection, said she saw Gilstrap’s vehicle traveling north. The witness said the vehicle drifted and ran upon a curb along the highway in front of the Wendy’s restaurant, on the southeast corner of the intersection. The witness said she heard what sounded like a tire popping and deflating when the vehicle hit the curb. The vehicle then continued north and struck the pole.

The vehicle spun around and was facing west while remaining in contact with the steel pole. The witness also observed flames coming from under the vehicle after it struck the pole.

The accident report notes that the responding officer, upon arrival, saw a man using a fire extinguisher on the vehicle. The officer went to the passenger side of the vehicle and used the window breaker with which his car is equipped and he removed the window from the passenger door. The driver was pinned in the vehicle.

The report notes Gilstrap was conscious but wouldn’t remain still and was trying unsuccessfully to free himself. The officer noticed another fire in the vehicle and used a fire extinguisher to put the flames out. A passer-by provided a pry bar and it was used to open the passenger door in case another fire should start.

Gilstrap was able to free himself from entrapment, but remained in the vehicle until he was removed with assistance from first responders. The officer retrieved two tourniquets from his vehicle and applied them to the driver’s lower right left leg.

An Air Evac helicopter was called to the scene. The northbound lanes of State Road 37 were temporarily closed after the crash.

Others who responded, in addition to the Mitchell Police Department, were the Lawrence County Police Department, the Marion Township Rural Fire Department, the Mitchell Fire Department, the Bedford Fire Department extrication unit and an AMR ambulance.

Source :
Driver hurt in Friday morning crash