Hendricks County, IN — June 25, 2025, One person was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred around 12:00 P.M. on I-74.

According to reports, an 18-wheeler tanker was traveling east on Interstate 74 near the 58-mile-marker when for unknown reasons the semi lost control and left the road before then overturning.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver had been fatally injured and they were pronounced deceased. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and the identity of the driver has not been released.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an 18-wheeler tanker leaves the roadway and overturns without any other vehicles involved, it raises an immediate question: what caused the driver to lose control? According to reports, this incident occurred on Interstate 74 near the 58-mile marker. The tanker was traveling eastbound when it veered off the road and overturned. The driver did not survive the crash, and the cause remains under investigation.

Tanker Trucks Carry Higher Risk for Instability

Tanker trucks are among the most difficult commercial vehicles to handle, especially when carrying liquid cargo. Even minor steering corrections or speed changes can lead to instability if the liquid inside sloshes or surges. That’s why proper handling, cautious driving, and well-maintained equipment are critical for safe operation.

One key issue is whether the tanker was loaded at the time. If it was partially filled, the movement of the liquid inside—known as the surge effect—can shift the center of gravity and cause a rollover, especially during a lane change or curve. Investigators will need to determine what the tanker was carrying, how it was loaded, and whether the load was secured according to industry standards.

Was the Truck in Proper Working Condition?

Mechanical failure is another possible cause that can't be ruled out. If the truck experienced a brake issue, steering malfunction, or tire failure, that could explain the sudden loss of control. That’s why reviewing maintenance records, recent inspections, and any reported mechanical issues is so important. The truck’s engine control module (ECM) may also contain critical data about speed, braking, and steering activity just before the crash.

I’ve handled cases where poor maintenance—like worn-out suspension parts or underinflated tires—played a direct role in a rollover. These are preventable issues, but they often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

A Full Investigation Is the Only Path to Answers

While no other vehicles were involved in the crash, that doesn’t mean the driver was solely responsible. A full investigation must include load documentation, electronic vehicle data, and maintenance history to determine whether this was an accident—or a preventable failure somewhere along the chain of responsibility.

Key Takeaways

• The tanker truck reportedly left the road and overturned, but the cause of the crash has not yet been identified.
• Tankers are especially prone to rollover if the liquid cargo shifts due to improper loading or sudden maneuvers.
• Mechanical failure—such as steering, braking, or tire issues—must be considered and investigated.
• Black box data and maintenance records will be essential for understanding what led to the loss of control.
• Even in single-vehicle crashes, responsibility may lie beyond the driver, including potential failures in upkeep or cargo handling.