A Columbus man was seriously hurt in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday near Clifford.
Indiana State Police (ISP) Spokesman Sgt. Stephen Wheeles says that ISP Troopers and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the crash at about 5 p.m. on County Road 550 North.
According to the initial investigation by Trooper Matt Holley, a car driven by 26-year-old Tyler D. Downs was traveling westbound on County Road 550 North when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle left the south side of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a mailbox and a tree before overturning. Investigators say the vehicle rolled at least twice before coming to a stop while inverted. During the crash, Downs was ejected from the vehicle.
Downs was reportedly transported by Lifeline Medical Helicopter to Methodist Hospital with life-threatening injuries. A female passenger, 28-year-old Catricia M. Hoard, of Elizabethtown and a two-year-old girl sustained minor injuries. State Police say that Hoard refused treatment at the scene.
ISP say that Downs was not believed to be wearing his seat-belt at the time of the crash. Investigators add that it is not yet known if alcohol or drugs played a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation by Trooper Holley.