Gas Line Struck in Bluffton, Indiana Crash at North Main Street and East Division Road Near Wabash River, Causing Road Closure

A single-vehicle crash in Bluffton on Saturday resulted in a gas leak after a driver veered off the road and struck a gas line near the Wabash River. According to the Bluffton Police Department, the incident occurred mid-morning near the intersection of North Main Street and East Division Road. Fortunately, the driver of the vehicle escaped injury, though authorities have released limited information due to safety concerns surrounding the active gas leak. Emergency responders quickly secured the scene, with NIPSCO crews arriving promptly to assess the damage and develop a repair plan for the damaged gas line. As a precautionary measure, local authorities closed North Main Street between East Division Road and Water Street while crews work to resolve the hazardous situation. Police have requested that motorists avoid the area until repairs are complete, though no estimated timeline for reopening has been provided. The crash remains under investigation by local authorities.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident occurred at a critical junction in Bluffton, where North Main Street approaches the Wabash River near its intersection with East Division Road. This area serves as an important corridor for local traffic, connecting the downtown business district with northern residential neighborhoods. The proximity to the Wabash River makes this section of roadway particularly vital for community access and utilities infrastructure, with various essential service lines running parallel to the roadway. The area features moderate traffic patterns that typically increase during weekend hours when residents travel to downtown amenities. This particular stretch of North Main Street features standard two-lane traffic with shoulders that narrow as the road approaches the river crossing, potentially creating visibility challenges for drivers unfamiliar with the area. The affected gas line is part of the utility infrastructure serving northern Bluffton communities.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, accidents involving damage to utility infrastructure may involve multiple liability considerations. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system (I.C. § 34-51-2), which means compensation may be affected by the degree of fault assigned to each party. Property owners affected by service disruptions may have claims against responsible parties, while the utility company could pursue recovery for repair costs. Indiana's statute of limitations (I.C. § 34-11-2-4) generally allows two years to file personal injury or property damage claims following an accident. Insurance considerations typically include liability coverage for infrastructure damage, though specific policy exclusions may apply. Potential compensation areas could include property damage, emergency response costs, business interruption for affected establishments, and remediation expenses. Additionally, if investigation reveals roadway defects contributed to the accident, governmental immunity statutes may affect recovery options.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Bluffton Police Department: (260) 824-3320
• Wells County Emergency Management: (260) 824-6430
• NIPSCO Gas Emergency Line: 1-800-634-3524

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Northeast District: (260) 969-8200
• Wells County Highway Department: (260) 824-6430
• Bluffton Street Department: (260) 824-0714

Support Services:

• Wells County Victim Assistance Program: (260) 824-6408
• Indiana 211 (for emergency social services): Dial 211
• American Red Cross Northeast Indiana Chapter: (260) 484-9336

Relevant Regulations: