shawn.mcgrath@heraldbulletin.com

ELWOOD — Five people were injured — two critically — in a two-vehicle collision along Indiana 13, north of Indiana 37, at about 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Madison County Sheriff Ron Richardson said a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup driven by Jonnie Harpel, 39, Elwood, was traveling southbound when he came up behind a FedEx truck traveling slowly looking for an address.

Harpel swerved into the northbound lane to avoid rear-ending the delivery truck when he slammed nearly head-on into a 1997 Geo Prizm driven by 21-year-old Kristin Pete, Elwood.

Pete was taken by helicopter from the scene to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with unknown injuries. Hospital officials said she was in critical condition.

Sydney Bixby, 2 1/2, Elwood, was sitting in a child-seat behind Kristin at the time of the crash. The toddler was initially taken to Saint Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood, but was later airlifted to Methodist because of head injuries she suffered in the crash. Hospital officials said she was also in critical condition.

Kelly Pete, 17, Elwood, Kristin’s sister, was the Geo’s front-seat passenger. She was taken to Saint Vincent with a complaint of pain, Richardson said.

A second rear-seat passenger, 18-month-old Sully Bixby, Elwood, suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Saint Vincent. She was also in a child-restraint seat. Both Kristin and Kelly Pete were wearing seatbelts.

The relationship between Kristin and Kelly and the two children wasn’t immediately clear.

Harpel also suffered minor injuries and was taken to Saint Vincent.

Richardson said the collision remains under investigation, but there were no obvious signs alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash.

Along with Madison County sheriff’s deputies, Elwood police and fire, Alexandria EMS, Pipe Creek Township firefighters and Madison County Emergency Management responded to the scene.