A multi-vehicle crash claimed the life of one person Tuesday afternoon in Shelby County.

John Perrine, spokesman for the Indiana State Police, say that the crash took place at 5:15 p.m. on U.S. Highway 52, at the intersection of County Road North 200 East, near Morristown. Upon arrival, troopers reported a “very active crash scene.” Perrine says that bystanders were performing CPR on one person, while another was in very critical condition. He says that 51-year-old John Hogue, a resident of Shelby County, was pronounced dead at the scene. A medical helicopter was called to the scene to transport the critical patient, 30-year-old Jessica Maxwell, of Muncie.

ISP say that their preliminary investigation determined a utility-truck was traveling east on U.S. 52, approaching the intersection of County Road 200 East. Just ahead, authorities say that an SUV, driven by Hogue, had stopped on U.S. 52 to prepare to turn north onto County Road 200 East. Perrine says that the utility-truck ran into the back of Hogue’s vehicle, causing it to spin into the westbound lanes, where it was struck again by a medical transport van driven by Maxwell. He went on to say that the vehicles came to rest in the roadway, leading to a number of bystanders descending to offer help. ISP adds that two other vehicles were struck by debris from the crashes.

Investigators say that Hogue was likely not wearing his seat belt, which caused him to be thrown into the back cargo area of his SUV. ISP adds that U.S. 52 was closed in both directions for about two hours as investigators and cleanup crews did their work.

Indiana State Police are thanking the individuals who offered their help, along with assisting agencies. Perrine says they include: the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, The Fountaintown and Morristown Volunteer Fire Departments and the Shelby County Coroner’s Office.