5 hospitalized in 2-vehicle crash

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. -- A two-vehicle crash sent five people, including a 13-month-old, to the hospital.

According to ISP, at approximately 12:25 p.m. troopers responded to reports of a crash at the Toll Road in the eastbound lanes near the 19.6 mile maker.

A preliminary investigation showed that a grey 2017 Honda minivan driven by 36-year-old Amie Kielbasa-Szelinski of Munster, Indiana stopped in the right lane for an unknown reason.

A white 2016 Ford F350 towing a 24-foot trailer was traveling eastbound behind the Honda when it swerved to avoid hitting Kielbasa-Szelinski’s vehicle.

The Ford was driven by 49-year-old Clinton Burroughs of Muskegon, Michigan.

Police say, Burroughs was unable to avoid the collision and both vehicles crossed the eastbound lanes and collided with a concrete center barrier wall.

Burroughs was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Hobart, Indiana for injuries.

A front seat passenger in the Honda, Shannon Szelinski, 61, was flown to the University of Chicago with life-threatening injuries as well as a 13-month old.

The extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.

Eastbound lanes were temporarily closed for approximately 30 minutes.

Crash reconstructionists closed the left two lanes until approximately 5:00 p.m. when the wreckage was cleared.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.

The investigation is ongoing.

Indiana State Police were assisted by Lake Station EMS, Gary Fire and EMS and ITRCC Maintenance.