Early Saturday morning, a devastating collision occurred at the intersection of US 27 (Lafayette Street) and South Anthony Boulevard in south Fort Wayne, resulting in two fatalities and two additional victims with life-threatening injuries. The accident, which happened shortly after 4:00 a.m., involved two vehicles—a gray sedan that caught fire upon impact and a white SUV that careened into a nearby ditch. Fort Wayne Police Department and Fort Wayne Fire Department crews responded promptly to the scene, where they discovered the burning sedan and the SUV in the ditch. According to FWPD Public Information Officer Adam Shotzman, preliminary investigations indicate that both excessive speed and alcohol likely contributed to the crash. Emergency responders closed US 27 in both directions at the intersection to manage the scene and conduct their investigation. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims as the investigation continues, and family notifications may still be pending. This tragic incident represents one of the more serious traffic accidents in Fort Wayne this year.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of US 27 (Lafayette Street) and South Anthony Boulevard represents a significant junction in south Fort Wayne's transportation network. US 27 serves as a major north-south arterial route through the city, carrying substantial traffic volumes throughout the day and night. This four-way intersection features traffic signals and turn lanes designed to manage the convergence of these two busy thoroughfares. South Anthony Boulevard connects several residential neighborhoods to commercial districts, while US 27 provides access to downtown Fort Wayne and continues south toward Decatur. The area surrounding the intersection includes both commercial establishments and residential zones, creating mixed traffic patterns with both local and through traffic. This intersection has experienced previous accidents due to its high traffic volume and the speed at which vehicles often travel on US 27, particularly during late-night hours when traffic monitoring is reduced and visibility conditions may be compromised.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, victims of motor vehicle accidents have several important legal rights and remedies available to them. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system (Indiana Code § 34-51-2), meaning injured parties may recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Survivors of those killed in the crash may have grounds for wrongful death claims (Indiana Code § 34-23-1), while injured victims might pursue personal injury claims. Indiana's statute of limitations generally provides a two-year window from the date of the accident to file these claims. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. When alcohol is determined to be a factor, as suspected in this case, both criminal penalties and enhanced civil liability may apply under Indiana's dram shop laws (Indiana Code § 7.1-5-10-15.5), which can extend liability to establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who subsequently cause harm.

Related Resources

• Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
• Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-1170
• Parkview Regional Medical Center Trauma Center: (260) 266-1000
• Lutheran Hospital Emergency Services: (260) 435-7001
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: (888) 692-6841
• MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Indiana Chapter: (317) 781-6233
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Northeast District: (260) 969-8267
• Allen County Victim Assistance Program: (260) 449-7770
• Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post: (260) 432-8661
• Indiana Trial Lawyers Association Referral Service: (800) 266-2581