Fatal Semi-Truck and Van Collision on State Road 46 in Decatur County Claims One Life

A devastating head-on collision between a semi-truck and a van on State Road 46 at County Road 200 South in Clay Township resulted in one fatality on Thursday. The incident occurred just before noon when a westbound semi-truck operated by 23-year-old Manav Rai of Newark, Delaware, crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound van driven by 72-year-old Marcus Anthony Yano of Columbus. Deputies from the Decatur County Sheriff's Office arrived at the scene at approximately 11:42 a.m., finding both vehicles in a field on the south side of State Road 46. Mr. Yano was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident prompted an extensive emergency response and resulted in the closure of State Road 46 for approximately three and a half hours while investigators processed the scene and cleared the wreckage. Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including local fire departments, EMS, and state police.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at a critical junction of State Road 46 and County Road 200 South in Clay Township, Decatur County. State Road 46 serves as a vital east-west corridor connecting Columbus to Greensburg, experiencing significant commercial truck traffic alongside local vehicles. The intersection with County Road 200 South represents a rural crossing point where vehicles frequently navigate changing speed zones and varying road conditions. The area is characterized by agricultural fields with limited roadside barriers, which can affect visibility during certain conditions and impact vehicle recovery zones in emergency situations.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Indiana, fatal commercial vehicle accidents involve complex liability considerations under state and federal transportation laws. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of death. Victims' families may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Multiple insurance policies may apply, including commercial carrier liability coverage, which typically exceeds minimum state requirements for standard vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's regulations regarding driver hours of service and vehicle maintenance may also factor into liability determinations.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Decatur County Sheriff's Office: (812) 663-8125
• Decatur County EMS: (812) 663-3255
• Greensburg Fire Department: (812) 663-8671

Support Services:

• Indiana State Police Crash Assistance: (317) 232-8248
• Decatur County Victim Assistance Program
• Indiana Auto Accident Victim Resources

Legal Resources:

• Indiana Commercial Vehicle Regulations
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles)
• FMCSA Safety Regulations Portal