GARRETT, IN – One man was hurt when his truck crashed into a tree.

According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, alcohol and speed could be factors in the crash.

Investigators say, William J. Smith, age 43, of Fort Wayne was driving near Garrett when his F-150 drove off the road for an unknown reason.
Reports indicate the truck hit a large tree with the front driver’s side bumper, which caused the vehicle to catch fire and caused Smith to become trapped inside.

Police and firefighters arrived on the scene and were able to put out the fire. Smith had to be extricated by the Garret Fire Department.

He was flown to Parkview Regional Medical Center in what authorities called “stable but critical condition” with leg and arm fractures.

The Thursday morning crash remains under investigation.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by Garrett Police Department, Indiana State Police, Garrett Fire Department, Parkview EMS and Parkview Samaritan.