A Hendricks County man was killed in a crash on I-70 in Hancock County.

The two-vehicle crash occurred on I-70 at Exit 104 about 5 a.m. Friday. Members of the Greenfield Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Department were called to the area of I-70 near the State Road 9 overpass. Law enforcement officers then called for the Hancock County Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT) to respond because of the severity of the crash.

The crash involved a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro and a 2020 International semi-tractor pulling a box-style trailer. The Camaro was driven by Daniel Tauber, 58, of Spiceland, who was uninjured. The tractor-trailer was driven by Jamesly Pierrelis, 35, of Avon, who was pronounced dead on the scene. The tractor is a “day-cab” style with no sleeping compartment.

The Camaro and tractor-trailer were both traveling westbound on I-70, approaching State Road 9. The Camaro was in the left (high-speed) lane beside the tractor-trailer in the right lane. As both vehicles were nearing the State Road 9 overpass, they made contact. The impact caused both vehicles to lose control. The tractor-trailer struck the Camaro, the State Road 9 overpass, and a temporary, concrete barrier wall near the median.

As of 9:30 a.m. Friday, I-70 was still closed at State Road 9. All traffic was diverted off at State Road 9, then back on the entrance ramp while Hancock County FACT investigated the scene. INDOT crews were also on the scene to inspect any damage to the overpass and barrier wall. 

The driver of the Camaro, Tauber, called 911 after the crash, cooperated with law enforcement, and submitted to a chemical test as part of routine investigation for the fatal crash. He was released from the scene. At this time no alcohol or drugs are suspected. There were no passengers in the Camaro.

The Hancock County Coroner’s office transported the deceased, and an autopsy will be scheduled.

A large amount of diesel fuel was released from the tanks of the tractor and had to be cleaned up. Debris stretched across the crash scene for almost a quarter of a mile.Indiana State Police were also called to the scene to perform an inspection of the tractor-trailer.

Members of the Greenfield Police Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, FACT (also including Fortville Police Department, McCordsville Police Department, and Wilkinson Police Department), Indiana State Police, Greenfield Fire Department, and INDOT all responded to the scene. Iman’s Towing responded to the scene to clean debris and remove the tractor-trailer.

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