Three killed in crash on I-94

LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. - Three North Carolina residents were killed in a crash on I-94 in La Porte County Saturday morning, according to Indiana State Police.

The victims were identified as 58-year-old Alkesh Patel, 54-year-old Hina Alkesh Patel and 30-year-old Aditi Nirmit Patel, all from Apex, North Carolina.

The crash happened just after 8:30 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near mile-marker 36.4, approximately two miles east of the Michigan City exit.

According to the investigation, the vehicle the Patels were in was broke down in the inside shoulder emergency lane when it was hit by a second vehicle traveling at high speeds.

The driver of the disabled vehicle was able to get out of the vehicle as it caught fire from the impact.

Its passengers were not able to get out.

The driver of the second vehicle, an Iowa man, and his two passengers were not injured.

The road was closed for several hours while state police worked on the investigation.