The preliminary crash investigation by Trooper Dustin Rutledge revealed that Hunter Smolek, 22, Monticello, was driving a 2021 Ford F150 Supercrew pickup truck southbound on Ind. 25 near 9592 South, when a tree from the west side of the road fell on top of the Ford, trapping Smolek.
Firefighters from the Twelve Mile and Liberty Township fire departments had to extricate Smolek, who was transported in critical condition to a Lafayette hospital, according to a news release from the Indiana State Police. At last check, he was talking and alert.
At the time of the crash, there was a storm with heavy winds passing through the area.
The Indiana Department of Transportation used a payloader to remove the tree from Ind. 25, which was closed for approximately 2-1/2 hours.
Rutledge was also assisted at the crash scene by ISP Sgt. Tony Slocum, Trooper Jesse Reason, Fulton County EMA and Lutheran EMS.
