Two people suffered injuries after their vehicle crashed into a tree in DeKalb County early Sunday morning. The incident happened around 2:17 a.m. at the intersection of US 6 and State Road 327 in Corunna, Indiana, with authorities pointing to alcohol and lack of seatbelt use as key factors.
Details of the Overnight Incident
The DeKalb County Sheriffs Office got word of the crash through an iPhone crash detection alert. First responders from the Corunna Fire Department arrived quickly to find the car about 460 feet off the road in the tree line. The single vehicle had veered sharply before striking the tree, leaving both occupants hurt but with injuries that do not threaten their lives.
Jaykob Levi Levitz, 29, from Angola, drove the vehicle, while Sheilah Marie Whiteman, 29, from Auburn, rode as passenger. Levitz had a cut on his forehead from the impact. Both went to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne for care right away.
This type of early morning accident often catches drivers off guard, especially on rural roads like this one where curves and limited lighting add risks. Local officials stress that quick response times helped keep things from getting worse.
Emergency Response and Scene Management
Deputies and firefighters worked together to secure the area and help the victims. Ambulances took Levitz and Whiteman to the hospital without delay, and no other vehicles got involved, which spared more harm. The road stayed open since the car ended up off the pavement, but crews checked for any hazards like spilled fuel or debris.
In cases like this, teams follow strict steps to ensure safety. They first check for fire risks from the damaged vehicle, then focus on medical aid. Here, the iPhone alert sped up the process, showing how tech now plays a big role in saving lives during crashes.
Factors Behind the Crash
Authorities believe alcohol played a part in why the car left the road. The driver also admitted to not wearing a seatbelt, which likely made the injuries worse even though they stayed non fatal. Speed or road conditions might factor in too, but details remain under review.
Common issues in Indiana crashes include these elements. For example, not buckling up raises the chance of serious harm by over 50 percent in single vehicle wrecks. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times, leading to poor choices like swerving without control.
- Alcohol use: Slows reflexes and clouds decisions, a top cause of night time accidents.
- No seatbelt: Increases ejection risk and impact injuries.
- Rural road challenges: Less lighting and unexpected turns boost dangers for drivers.
Experts note that fall months see more such incidents due to changing weather and holiday travel starting early.
Road Safety Trends in DeKalb County
DeKalb County has seen a steady number of traffic mishaps this year, mirroring wider Indiana patterns. State data shows over 200,000 collisions yearly, with hundreds tied to alcohol. In this area, rural spots like US 6 and SR 327 often host these events because of higher speeds and fewer barriers.
Recent events highlight the need for caution. Just weeks ago, a driver hit trees while dodging a deer on a nearby road, sending one to the hospital. Another rollover in September left a man seriously hurt. These remind locals to drive smart, especially after dark.
| Recent DeKalb County Crashes | Date | Location | Injuries | Cause Suspected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single vehicle into trees | Oct 5, 2025 | Near Auburn | One injured | Avoiding deer |
| Rollover accident | Sep 23, 2025 | County Road area | Driver seriously hurt | Unknown, under probe |
| This incident | Oct 27, 2025 | US 6 & SR 327 | Two non-life threatening | Alcohol, no seatbelt |
Such patterns call for better awareness. Groups push for more patrols and education on safe driving to cut down on these tragedies.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The Sheriffs Office continues to look into what led to the crash, gathering evidence from the scene and witness statements if any. No charges have come forward yet, but results could change that based on findings. Updates will follow as more comes to light.
This event shakes the small community of Corunna, where folks know each other well. It sparks talks on preventing future wrecks through stricter enforcement or road fixes. Drivers in the area should watch for signs and report issues to help keep roads safer.
Stay safe on Indiana roads by planning trips without alcohol and always buckling up. Share your thoughts on this crash in the comments below and pass along this story to spread awareness.
