Eclista M. Birner Obituary, Death – Authorities in Indiana are investigating a serious traffic incident in Miami County that resulted in one loss of life and left two others with severe injuries on Saturday morning. According to the Indiana State Police (ISP) Peru Post, along with assistance from the Miami County Sheriff’s Office and the Peru City Police Department, officers responded to a collision that occurred shortly after 10:30 a.m. on October 4. The crash took place on Meridian Road near East County Road 500 North, an area north of Peru that is typically known for light weekend traffic.
Initial reports from investigators indicate that the incident involved two vehicles — a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer and a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Police say the Blazer had been traveling north on Meridian Road when the driver attempted to pass another car. During this maneuver, the vehicle crossed into the opposite lane and collided with the southbound Equinox. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
One of the passengers in the Equinox, identified by authorities as 89-year-old Eclista M. Birner of Peru, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Law enforcement officials stated that emergency responders worked quickly to assess the condition of all those involved, but Birner could not be revived. Her family has been notified, and authorities have expressed condolences to her loved ones as they deal with the tragedy.
Two other individuals suffered critical injuries as a result of the collision. ISP confirmed that one of the critically injured was the driver of the Blazer, while the other was a passenger in the Equinox. Both were transported by air ambulances to trauma centers in nearby cities for further medical treatment. At the time of reporting, they were said to be in serious but stable condition, though their names have not been released publicly.
Additionally, two other occupants — the driver of the Equinox and the passenger of the Blazer — sustained less severe injuries. They were taken to local hospitals for treatment and observation. Officials said their injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
Investigators remained on the scene for several hours to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. Traffic in the area was temporarily rerouted while officers collected evidence, examined skid marks, and documented vehicle positions. Preliminary findings suggest that excessive speed or impairment were not factors in the incident. “At this point, we have no indication that alcohol or drugs played any role,” an ISP spokesperson said in a press statement. “We are focusing on roadway conditions and driver actions to determine exactly what caused the collision.”
Members of the Miami County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance with traffic control and scene management, while medical helicopters landed nearby to facilitate the emergency transports. Fire and rescue crews worked diligently to free the occupants from the wreckage, and witnesses at the scene reportedly cooperated with law enforcement by providing statements about what they observed.
Authorities have not announced whether any citations or charges will be filed, noting that the investigation remains ongoing. The ISP’s crash reconstruction unit is analyzing all available evidence, including vehicle data recorders and roadway measurements, to gain a clearer understanding of how the incident unfolded.
Local officials expressed appreciation for the coordinated response among state, county, and city agencies, emphasizing the importance of patience and safety while driving on rural two-lane roads. They also reminded drivers to exercise extra caution when attempting to pass another vehicle, ensuring there is enough visibility and space to complete the maneuver safely.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officers encourage anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the vehicles shortly before the collision to contact the Indiana State Police Peru Post.
