Two Children Critically Injured in Three-Car Collision at Vance Avenue and Hobson Road in Fort Wayne, Indiana

A serious multi-vehicle crash on Fort Wayne's northeast side left two children with severe, life-threatening injuries on Monday evening. At approximately 5:19 p.m., Fort Wayne Police Department officers responded to a three-car collision at the intersection of Vance Avenue and Hobson Road. According to the initial investigation, one vehicle traveling east on Vance Avenue ran a red light and struck a car proceeding north on Hobson Road, with the force of the impact also hitting a third vehicle stopped at the traffic signal. The crash was severe enough to flip one of the vehicles onto its roof, with all three cars sustaining heavy damage. Four individuals were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Of the four injured, two were children — one in life-threatening condition and one in critical condition. The intersection was temporarily closed as the FWPD's Fatal Accident Crash Team and Air Support Unit conducted their on-scene investigation.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at the intersection of Vance Avenue and Hobson Road on Fort Wayne's northeast side, a residential and mixed-use corridor within Allen County, Indiana. The intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, which plays a central role in the ongoing investigation, as preliminary findings indicate a red-light violation contributed to the crash. Vance Avenue serves as an east-west thoroughfare in this section of the city, while Hobson Road carries north-south traffic through the area. Multi-vehicle crashes at signalized intersections are among the most dangerous collision types, particularly when vehicles are traveling at speed through active red lights. The temporary closure of the intersection required coordination between multiple FWPD units, including aerial support, reflecting the severity and complexity of the scene.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Victims of motor vehicle accidents in Indiana have important legal rights and protections under state law. Indiana follows a fault-based system for auto accident liability, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance is generally responsible for damages. Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4 establishes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning injured parties — or the parents and guardians of injured minors — must initiate any civil action within two years of the date of the crash. Compensation in cases like this may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and, where applicable, loss of future earning capacity. Because minor children are involved, Indiana courts may apply additional protections regarding settlement approval. Victims and their families are strongly encouraged to document all medical treatment, preserve evidence, and consult a licensed Indiana attorney to understand the full scope of their rights.

Related Resources

• Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD): www.cityoffortwayne.org/police | Non-emergency: (260) 427-1222
• Allen County Emergency Management: (260) 449-7570
• Parkview Regional Medical Center (major trauma center serving Fort Wayne): (260) 266-1000
• Luthern Hospital Fort Wayne (regional hospital): (260) 435-7001
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety: www.in.gov/cji/traffic-safety
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Accident Reporting: www.in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Code on Traffic Regulations (Title 9): iga.in.gov
• Indiana Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP): Provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including those injured by reckless or criminal driving — (800) 353-1484
• Indiana 211 (Community Resource Helpline): Dial 211 or visit www.in211.org for local support services including counseling, transportation assistance, and social services for families in crisis