Tragedy struck Wells County this morning when a head-on collision claimed the life of a local man and left several others injured. According to a press release from the Wells County Sheriff's Office, the fatal crash occurred near SR 218 & CR 700 E in Harrison Township, Bluffton, Indiana, around 5:53 AM.
The collision involved a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and a 2013 GMC Terrain. Emergency responders arriving at the scene discovered the driver of the Town and Country trapped within the wrecked vehicle. Despite attempts at life-saving measures performed by the responders, who arrived promptly after being dispatched, 76-year-old Neil Scott of Decatur, Indiana, was pronounced dead at the scene. Among the chaotic aftermath, the press release indicated that four passengers in Scott's vehicle sustained minor injuries and were transported to local hospitals.
In a departure from the usual crash scene conduct, witnesses reported to authorities that the driver of the GMC Terrain fled the site of the crash. A coordinated search effort involving multiple agencies is currently underway to locate the elusive driver. Despite the concerted efforts of departments such as the Indiana State Police and Adams County Sheriff's Office, the driver's whereabouts remain unknown at the time of the news release.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is active and ongoing. The Sheriff's Office has requested the public's assistance in this matter. Anyone with relevant information is urged to come forward and call Sheriff's Det. Quinton Greer at (260) 824-3426.
The community of Bluffton and the surrounding areas have been shaken by the incident, receiving support from various emergency services including the Bluffton Fire Department, Ossian Fire Department, Wells County EMS, and more, as listed in the comprehensive press release.
