Driver runs red light, hits truck, utility pole, gas pump, and SUV

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Sheriff's Office reports deputies responded to a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. Highway 20 and S.R. 15 around 5:55 p.m., Thursday night.

The report states a 2018 Ford pickup truck, driven by 21-year-old Philip Lightner of Elkhart, was traveling west on U.S. Highway 20 approaching the intersection of S.R. 15.

A 2023 Toyota pickup truck, driven by a 26-year-old Bristol man, was traveling north on S.R. 15 and proceeded into the intersection with a green traffic light.

Authorities say Lightner disregarded the red traffic light at the intersection, striking the front end of the Toyota.

The report states Lightner then continued crashing into a NIPSCO utility pole, a Speedway gas station pump, and an unoccupied 2014 Honda SUV.

Lightner was ejected from his truck and suffered road rash, a head laceration, and was unconscious after the crash.

Lightner was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital for treatment and was conscious and alert at that time.

It's unknown if Lightner was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. The driver of the Toyota was wearing his seatbelt and was uninjured.

The Elkhart County Crash Investigation Team is investigating.

No citations have been given at this time.