ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. — A quiet Wednesday night turned tragic after a violent two-vehicle collision claimed one life and left several others injured in St. Joseph County. Authorities say the crash occurred around 10:15 p.m. on Mayflower Road near Belleville Drive, just north of the bypass, prompting a swift response from emergency crews and investigators.
According to the St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team (FACT), the accident involved an SUV and a pickup truck that collided head-on, leaving both vehicles heavily damaged. Preliminary reports indicate that a 48-year-old woman driving the SUV had just exited the bypass and was heading north on Mayflower Road when a 63-year-old man driving a southbound pickup truck crossed the centerline, striking her vehicle.
Inside the SUV was a passenger, 58-year-old James L. Barnes of South Bend, who sustained critical injuries. First responders provided immediate aid at the scene before transporting all three individuals — both drivers and Barnes — to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Barnes tragically succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The St. Joseph County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death and notified his family soon after.
Authorities have not released details regarding the conditions of the two surviving drivers. FACT investigators continue to examine possible contributing factors, including speed, impairment, mechanical failure, and road conditions. They are also reviewing witness statements and nearby surveillance footage in an effort to determine what caused the pickup truck to cross into the opposite lane.
The crash shut down a section of Mayflower Road overnight as crews worked to clear the wreckage and document the scene. The roadway reopened early Thursday morning, but the emotional toll remains heavy. Local officials extended their condolences to Barnes’ family, calling the loss a devastating reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by a single moment on the road.
This fatal collision adds to a growing number of roadway incidents in the region, sparking renewed calls for driver awareness and roadway safety improvements. FACT investigators say their work remains ongoing and that a final report will be released once all evidence is reviewed. In the meantime, authorities are urging all motorists to stay alert, obey traffic laws, and exercise extra caution on two-lane roads — where one small mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences.
