Witnesses report racing before fatal crash at McKinney and Lafayette

FORT WAYNE IND. (WOWO) One man is dead following a fiery early-morning crash at Lafayette and McKinney after a vehicle reportedly ran a red light and struck a box truck, according to investigators.

The Lead Off

• One man is dead after a fiery crash involving a silver Chrysler and a box truck
• Witnesses report street racing moments before the collision at McKinney and Lafayette
• Police say speed is believed to be a factor as investigation continues

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Crash at Lafayette and McKinney

Police say the crash happened Monday, May 18, 2026, at approximately 4:50 a.m. near the intersection of Lafayette Road and McKinney Avenue.

Dispatchers received a call reporting a crash involving a silver Chrysler and a box truck, with the Chrysler reportedly on fire following the collision.

Witness accounts and reported racing

According to witnesses at the scene, the silver Chrysler was traveling south on Clinton Street alongside another vehicle when both were reportedly racing at a high rate of speed.

Investigators say witnesses reported the Chrysler ran a red light at McKinney Avenue, crossed the center line, and struck a box truck that was traveling northbound on Lafayette Road.

Authorities have not confirmed the identity of the additional vehicle involved in the reported racing activity.

Fire response and victim information

Firefighters arrived on scene and were able to extinguish the fire in the Chrysler.

Inside the vehicle, crews found an adult male driver who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officials have not yet released the driver’s identity pending notification of family members.

The driver of the box truck suffered minor injuries and is cooperating with investigators, according to police.

Investigation ongoing

Police say speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

Investigators are continuing to examine evidence from the scene, including witness statements and vehicle data, to determine the full sequence of events.

No additional details have been released regarding potential charges or whether other drivers involved in the reported racing will be identified.

Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.

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The Takeaway

• A deadly early-morning crash at Lafayette and McKinney resulted in the death of an adult male after a silver Chrysler collided with a box truck and caught fire, according to investigators.
• Witnesses reported the Chrysler was racing another vehicle before running a red light, crossing the center line, and striking the northbound box truck, with speed now considered a likely factor in the crash.
• Officials say the box truck driver sustained minor injuries and is cooperating with police, while investigators continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash and any additional vehicles involved.