Driver Airlifted After Vehicle Lands Vertically in Trees

Emergency crews responded to a harrowing single-vehicle accident in Spencer County, Indiana.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A motorist was flown to a trauma center following a single-vehicle accident on Indiana 66 near Hatfield, Indiana, on Friday evening. First responders found the vehicle had left the roadway and come to rest in a vertical position against a stand of trees, requiring specialized stabilization before the driver could be extricated.

Why it matters

Single-vehicle accidents involving vehicles leaving the roadway and becoming vertically positioned can pose significant challenges for emergency responders, requiring specialized techniques and equipment to safely extract trapped occupants. This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and coordination among first responders.

The details

The Luce Fire Territory, Spencer County EMS, and Spencer County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene around 5:15 p.m. on February 13, 2026. Firefighters had to stabilize the precarious position of the vehicle before they could begin the difficult process of extricating the trapped driver. Once freed, the driver was transported to a nearby landing zone and airlifted by a StatFlight helicopter to a regional trauma center for treatment of undisclosed injuries.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, February 13, 2026, around 5:15 p.m.
  • The roadway was closed for several hours to facilitate the rescue operation and clear the debris.

The players

Luce Fire Territory

The fire department that responded to the incident and led the rescue efforts.

Spencer County EMS

The emergency medical services that provided medical care and transportation for the injured driver.

Spencer County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that assisted at the scene and is investigating the cause of the crash.

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What they’re saying

“Our crews worked diligently to stabilize a very unstable scene to ensure the safety of both the patient and our emergency personnel.”

— Luce Fire Territory (wbiw.com)

What’s next

The Spencer County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of the crash, and authorities are working to determine if weather or speed played a factor in the vehicle leaving the road.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the specialized skills and equipment required to safely respond to and resolve complex vehicle accidents, especially those involving vehicles in precarious positions. The successful rescue and transport of the injured driver to a trauma center underscores the critical role of first responders in such situations.