10/24/2026
🚨 For Immediate Release 🚨
Crawfordsville Fire Department Responds to Two Serious Incidents on I-74
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — October 23, 2026 —
The Crawfordsville Fire Department responded to a hazardous materials incident on westbound Interstate 74 near mile marker 39 at approximately 8:45 a.m. today.
While en route, dispatch advised crews that a semi-truck and trailer were involved in a fire. Upon arrival, crews found the tractor and trailer overturned and on fire, with the trailer in the ditch leaking argon gas and diesel fuel. The driver reported that the trailer was fully loaded.
Crews worked to extinguish the fire, assess the hazardous materials situation, identify the source of the leaks, and establish safety zones. Traffic was stopped in all directions while emergency personnel worked to secure the scene.
At approximately 9:18 a.m., Crawfordsville Fire was dispatched to a second incident involving multiple vehicles and a semi-truck on eastbound I-74 near mile marker 37. This additional incident required emergency personnel and resources while crews were still working at the initial HazMat scene.
Due to the demands of both incidents, Crawfordsville Fire initiated an emergency recall of 10 off-duty fire and EMS personnel to assist with operations and maintain emergency response coverage.
Multiple patients received assessments by EMS personnel. Some were transported to local hospitals, while others declined transport after evaluation.
Assisting agencies included:
Crawfordsville Fire Department
Darlington Fire Department
Crawfordsville Police Department
Montgomery County Sheriff's Department
Indiana State Police
Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency
Montgomery County Central Communications
Montgomery County Central Communications coordinated resources for both incidents while continuing to handle additional medical emergencies in the county.
As of this release, emergency crews have cleared the scene but crews are still working on hazardous materials cleanup and related operations. Interstate 74 remains closed in the affected area, and motorists are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes. The duration of the closure is not yet known.
The Crawfordsville Fire Department will provide additional information as it becomes available.
