Wrong way driver crash on US 24 injures 3

Last Updated on August 5, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at approximately 5:23 a.m., Cass County Central Dispatch received a report of a vehicle crash with entrapment on US 24 east of Logansport Road. Several deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with the Logansport Police Department, Indiana State Police, Miami County Sheriff’s Office, New Waverly Fire Department, Cass County Emergency Management, Indiana Department of Transportation and Cass County Emergency Medical Services. The initial scene assessment revealed a three-vehicle crash that blocked the westbound lanes of US 24 east of Logansport Road.

Preliminary investigation by Deputy Joe Gentile found that 57-year-old Rose Stambaugh of Peru, IN, had been driving the wrong direction on US 24. She was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes. She was driving a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep Grand Cherokee struck a westbound 2017 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by 51-year-old Matthew Kiefer of Peru, IN. The Dodge Ram rolled over and was struck by a 2013 Dodge Dart driven by 35-year-old Zachary Ault of Peru, IN.

Rose Stambaugh and Matthew Kiefer sustained serious injuries in the crash. Both were flown to a trauma center in Fort Wayne by medical helicopters. Matthew Kiefer had to be extricated by firefighters from the Dodge Ram. Zachary Ault sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to Parkview Logansport.

The westbound lanes of US 24 between US 31 and Logansport Road were closed approximately three hours for crash cleanup and reconstruction activities.

The investigation is ongoing, and alcohol is not considered to be a factor in this crash. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 574-753-7800.