(La Porte, IN) - It appears the driver who crashed into an oncoming ambulance in La Porte died from the impact of the collision.

 

 

Rachel Johnson, 44, of La Porte was pronounced dead at Northwest Health about one hour after the Saturday morning accident. 

 

La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson said the preliminary findings of an autopsy performed Monday afternoon show Johnson died from blunt force trauma to the head and chest.  Swanson said she is still waiting for the results of a blood test to determine if Johnson had any alcohol or drugs in her system.  She expects to have the findings of the blood test within the next 10 to 14 days.

 

According to La Porte Police, the ongoing investigation, so far, indicates the ambulance about 7 a.m. was northbound on Rose St. when Johnson while traveling southbound crossed the center line near Adams St.

 

Police said the ambulance driver tried avoiding the crash by veering to the right side of the roadway but the two vehicles collided.  The heavily damaged ambulance was disabled, but a second ambulance was called to take Johnson to Northwest Health in La Porte.

 

“The rig that was in the accident was non-operational,” said La Porte County Emergency Medical Service Administrator Eric Fenstermaker.

 

While being treated, Johnson experienced a medical emergency and passed away despite life-saving attempts, police said.  Police said an emergency medical technician in the ambulance reported just minor injuries and was medically evaluated at the scene.

 

Fenstermaker said there was no patient in the ambulance, which was returning to the base after a service call when struck.

 

Johnson had a misdemeanor charge of driving without ever receiving a license from June still undecided in La Porte Superior Court 3, according to court records.

Fenstermaker said he’s waiting for a decision by the insurance company on whether the ambulance will be repaired or totaled.