Head-on Crash Claims Life of Two from Washington County

Washington County- Troopers from the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg are investigating a tragic fatal crash that occurred this morning on SR56, east of Salem.  

Around 7:50 am, troopers were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash on SR 56 just east of Shields Road in eastern Washington County. Units from the Washington County Sheriff's Department, Washington County Ambulance Service, Salem Fire Department, and Gibson Township Fire Department also responded and assisted.  

Arriving units found a gray 2009 Chevrolet Aveo had collided head-on with a red 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. The collision occurred in the westbound passing lane, which is the center lane of a three-lane section of the roadway just east of Shields Road.  

The driver of the Aveo, Ryan A. Fisher, 37, of Salem, Indiana, and the passenger, 37-year-old Rebecca Jean Simmons, also of Salem, were both pronounced dead at the scene.  

The driver of the Silverado, 29-year-old Todd M. Albertson, was flown to University Hospital in Louisville with life-threatening injuries.  

An ISP crash reconstruction team arrived to assist. As a result of the preliminary investigation, troopers believe that the Chevrolet Aveo was eastbound and attempted to pass other eastbound vehicles when it collided with the westbound pickup truck.   

This case is still under investigation. The families of the deceased have been notified.