Driver In Critical Condition After Crash On U.S. 20

A driver is in critical condition and three firemen were injured Tuesday morning while responding to an accident on the U.S. 20 bypass. Just after 4:30 a.m. St. Joseph County police were called to a crash involving three cars . Three people were taken to the hospital for their injuries. While on their way to the scene, officials say Southwest Territory Fire Engine 41 was rear-ended by a semi-trailer that was hauling containers of pickles. Three firemen were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The semi driver wasn’t hurt. Battalion Chief Charlie Lawson of the Center Twp Fire Dept. said those firefighters have been treated and released. These crashes shut down the eastbound lanes of the bypass between Mayflower and S.R. 2 for several hours but were fully reopened as of 8:30 a.m. Police remind drivers to avoid the U.S. 20 bypass when the weather is bad. The falling snow and strong winds lead to slick conditions and multiple crashes and slide offs making it even more of a danger.