High-speed collision involving three vehicles on U.S. 33

LIGONIER, Ind. -- Indiana State Police reported a 3-vehicle crash Saturday at approximately 8:25 a.m. on U.S. 33 south of Ligonier.

The vehicle that caused the crash allegedly was involved in a police chase with an Indiana State Trooper. The State Trooper reported observing a 2011 Mercedes C-Class passenger vehicle traveling 100 mph east on eastbound lanes of U.S.6.

The Trooper attempted to stop the Mercedes, and the pursuit ensued. The pursuit transversed over to southbound lanes on S. R. 5 before the Trooper terminated the pursuit due to risk of general public.

Shortly following the pursuit, the fleeing Mercedes was involved in a crash on U.S. 33 just south of the U.S.6 intersection.

The Mercedes disregarded a traffic signal at the intersection and crashed into the rear of a 2019 Nissan Rogue SUV. The Nissan was sent into a side ditch onto its side. The Mercedes continued and drove left of center, sideswiping a north traveling 2004 Acura disabling the Mercedes.

The driver of the Mercedes was identified as 23-year-old Ethan Aza of Warsaw and sustained serious injuries from the crash. After being extricated by Ligonier Fire Department, Aza was taken by Parkview EMS to Parkview Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Fort Wayne in serious condition.

Both driver and passenger of the Nissan Rogue sustained serious injuries from the crash. The adult passenger in the vehicle was transported by Samaritan helicopter to PRMC in critical condition. The driver was also sent to PRMC by ambulance.

The driver and passenger of the Acura both sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Parkview Noble in Kendallville.

The initial Trooper in pursuit of the Mercedes arrived on the scene and sustained lacerations on his hands and arms after attempting to rescue occupants in the Nissan. The Trooper was transported to Parkview Noble in Kendallville and was treated and released later that day.

U.S. 33 south and U.S.6 were closed for 5 hours for the investigation and cleanup.

Indiana State Police report that this is an ongoing investigation and that criminal charges are expected to be requested once the overall investigation is complete.

Extreme high-speed, alcohol, and drugs are all suspected as contributing factors.