By Sue Loughlin
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — One juvenile died and another suffered life-threatening injuries in an accident Tuesday evening in Terre Haute involving an ambulance and two youths on an electric bike.
The second youth was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital with life-threatening injuries, city police said in a news release.
Neither the Terre Haute Police Department nor the Vigo County Coroner’s Office had released the identities of those involved as of Wednesday afternoon. They cited a continuing investigation.
The accident occurred at the intersection of South 13th Street and Wheeler Avenue.
About 7:15 pm. Tuesday, Terre Haute police responded to a report of a collision involving a Trans-Care ambulance and two juveniles on an electric bike.
Officers arrived to find Trans-Care personnel already providing medical aid to the injured juveniles.
Both young people were transported to local hospitals. One, however, succumbed to their injuries, police said. The second was airlifted.
The Terre Haute Police Department’s fatal accident reconstruction team and detectives are investigating.
At the time of the collision, the ambulance was en route to a separate emergency call involving a single-vehicle accident with injury in Vigo County.
This investigation is ongoing and further information will be released as permitted, city police said.
The Vigo County School Corp. sent the following message to families at Honey Creek Middle School on Wednesday morning, and a similar message went to families at Sarah Scott Middle School:
“It is with a heavy heart, we write to inform you of a tragic accident that occurred Tuesday evening. We are all deeply affected by this devastating news, and our thoughts are with the families of the students during this difficult time.
“As a result, ILEARN testing will be postponed today, Wednesday, April 16 [at Honey Creek and Sarah Scott]. More information will be released once modified schedules are finalized.
“We understand that this news may be overwhelming, and we want to ensure that everyone has the support they need. Counselors are available in the building for any students or staff who need support. Please encourage students to reach out, and do not hesitate to connect with our counseling team if you feel it would be helpful.”
Residents of the neighborhood near 13th and Wheeler expressed concern and sadness after the tragic accident.
“It’s very sad,” said Jessica Bolin, one of the residents. There are many young people who live in the area and “there are always kids playing,” she said.
Trans-Care is located nearby, at 1299 Voorhees, and neighbors said they are concerned about instances in which Trans-Care ambulances drive fast and may not always have their sirens activated until they reach Margaret Avenue, Bolin said.
Russ Ferrell, Trans-Care chief executive officer, on Wednesday afternoon said, “Our hearts are with the families.”
Ferrell said Trans-Care “will make a full announcement in the near future.” He had no further comment.
© 2025 The Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, Ind.).
Visit tribstar.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.