A crash on U.S. 6 west of Walkerton claimed the life of a South Bend man Thursday. LaPorte County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with fire and EMS crews, responded to the intersection of U.S. 6 and 875 East around 12:15 p.m.Investigators say Michael Megyeri, 63, was driving west on U.S. 6 in a Dodge pickup truck, when they believe he crossed the center line and crashed into a semi tractor-trailer that was heading eastbound.
When emergency responders arrived, they found Megyeri pinned in the vehicle. Firefighters were working to extricate him, but he died before they could do so, according to the sheriff’s office.
The semi driver reportedly attempted to avoid the oncoming pickup truck, driving off the road and through a wire fence in the process. The semi-tractor was heavily damaged, according to police, but the trailer remained intact and the driver was uninjured.
Investigators are trying to figure out if a medical issue caused Megyeri to drive left of center. A routine toxicology screening will also take place. The driver of the semi did pass a certified breath test, according to the sheriff’s office.
The LaPorte County Coroner’s Office, LaPorte County EMS, LaPorte County Hazardous Material Team, Walkerton Police Department, and Hamlet Fire Department all assisted the sheriff’s office.
