The Star Press

GASTON, Ind. – A man driving a semi pulling a flatbed trailer on Interstate 69 Friday afternoon apparently lost consciousness while choking on a cough drop, Indiana State Police said.

The vehicle left the northbound lanes of the interstate, traveled about 50 yards east, and crashed into – and through – the Living Hope Church, 14300 N. Delaware County Road 900-W.

Semi driver Daniel Castel, 44, of Roseville, Mich., was taken by ambulance to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Castel told troopers the last thing he remembered was choking on his cough drop.

No one was in the church at the time.

A four-car accident took place nearby on the interstate’s northbound lanes as motorists slowed down to look at the crash scene.