Emma Grace Barnett dies in fatal Allen County car crash
Fatal Allen County car crash death of Emma Grace Barnett
The Allen County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that the woman killed Saturday in the vehicle collision with a flatbed truck was Emma Grace Barnett, who was 19 years old and from Harlan.
The accident occurred early Saturday morning on State Road 37 connecting Fort Wayne and Harlan. The Allen County Sheriff’s Department stated that preliminary investigation revealed the car Barnett was operating had veered across the center line, leading to the impact with the truck.
Barnett was pronounced deceased at the scene. The official cause of death, as determined by the coroner, was multiple blunt force trauma injuries.
The authorities are continuing to examine the reasons behind the crash.
State Road 37 has been recognized locally as a potentially hazardous route. The Indiana Department of Transportation provided an update to WANE 15 on Tuesday, stating several measures are planned to enhance safety on that section of the road.
One current project involves reconfiguring the intersection at SR 37 and Notestine Road near Harlan to improve sightlines. Additionally, another initiative is being developed for the area where SR 37 intersects Cuba and Thimlar roads, shortly after Notestine.
A future undertaking includes resurfacing the road to increase the shoulder width for better capacity. The INDOT mentioned that this resurfacing effort will also incorporate centerline rumble strips.
Information regarding all present and future projects by INDOT is available on their official website. Individuals wishing to voice concerns or seek more information can reach INDOT via their online portal or by calling 855-463-6848.
