UPDATE (April 18, 2024): Further information from authorities identified the man killed in the accident as 39-year-old Ty Freimuth of Niles, Michigan. The injured victims were his wife, Niki, and his 2-year-old son. They were reportedly left in critical condition. It appears Niki Freimuth continues to recover from her injuries. Additional details about the crash are unavailable right now.

Lake County, IN — April 4, 2024, one person was killed and a mother and child were injured due to an 18-wheeler accident at around 1:25 p.m. on I-80/94.

Authorities said in their preliminary statements that the crash occurred along eastbound lanes of the interstate in the Hammond area near Calumet Avenue.

According to officials, a mother, her child, and one other person were in a Kia Sorento going along the interstate behind an 18-wheeler. That 18-wheeler reportedly slowed down for unspecified reasons. The SUV was slowing as well when it appears a second 18-wheeler failed to slow down. As a result, it crashed into the back of the SUV, pushing it into the front 18-wheeler.

As a result of the collision, the third person in the SUV sustained fatal injuries. The mother and child were taken from the scene with injuries described as life-threatening. There were no other confirmed injuries. Right now, there are no statements on possible charges or citations, and the cause of the crash remains unconfirmed.