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Driver Cited In 3 Vehicle Injury Crash On I-69
By: Sheila McCrea - Saturday, July 17, 2021

Steuben County Sheriff’s Department Photo

ANGOLA, IN - One driver has been cited following a three vehicle injury crash on I-69.

Deputies with the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department along with Fire and EMS first responders were called to the northbound lanes of I-69 in the area of the 346 mile marker just before 5:30 p.m. Friday evening. Initial reports indicated a multi vehicle accident involving a semi-tractor and a van, with the van being engulfed in flames.

First units on the scene quickly determined that 3 vehicles were involved in the crash. The initial crash investigation revealed that a white 2017 Kenworth bobtail tractor driven by 29 year old Nai Ye Koko of Troy, NY was traveling northbound on I-69 following a white 2010 Ford Econoline Van driven by 46 year old Nathan Hadfield of Coldwater, MI. Authorities say when northbound traffic began to slow due to the high traffic volume combined with an upcoming lane restrictions, Koko's vehicle collided with the rear of Hadfield's vehicle due to following too closely and unsafe speed for the traffic conditions.

That collision caused the Ford Econoline Van to burst into flames and pushed Hadfield's vehicle into the rear of a black 2003 Ford Expedition driven by 61 year old John Neal of Wilmington, OH. As a result of the crash, Koko suffered pain to his neck, Hadfield suffered bleeding to the head, and Neal suffered pain to the back.

All three drivers were transported to Cameron Hospital by Steuben County EMS for treatment. Seatbelts were in use and effective.

Koko was cited for following too close and issued a written warning for unsafe speed. The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

Assisting the Sheriff's Office at the scene were the Angola Police, Angola Fire Rescue, Indiana State Police, and Steuben County EMS.

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