INDIANAPOLIS — A Muncie man died Friday in what Indiana State Police believe to be a distracted driving crash at the I-465/I-74 interchange on the southeast side of Indianapolis.
The crash happened on southbound I-465 just south of the I-74 interchange (near mile marker 49) around 3:45 a.m.
ISP says two vehicle were involved, including a Jeep with a man trapped inside. That man was unresponsive and was pronounced deceased at the scene despite first responders’ attempts to revive him.
The driver of the Jeep has been identified as 31-year-old Joseph E. Dely of Muncie.
Investigators believe Dely and the driver of a Chevrolet Malibu were both on I-465 SB when the Malibu’s driver made contact with the back of the Jeep. The Jeep spun off the roadway and flipped several times, according to police.
A preliminary investigation suggests the driver of the Malibu was distracted by a cell phone before the crash. He was tested for intoxication, and results are pending.
The Malibu’s driver was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Police say he is a 22-year-old Indianapolis man.
Southbound I-465 was shut down for several hours due to the crash. A second crash on the exit ramp from WB I-74 to NB I-465 caused more traffic issues temporarily.
ISP was assisted by the Indianapolis Fire Department, the Marion County Coroner’s Office and Affordable Towing.
