Attempting to aid at an accident scene while on an overnight road trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, two Stanchfield residents had to jump off a nearly 70-foot high overpass to avoid being hit by an oncoming semi-trailer in the early hours of Aug. 4.

Mark T. Johnston of Stanchfield and his 14 year-old son, Matthew, were driving with family members to Indianapolis to watch the Allstate 400 auto race. After pulling into Lafayette, Ind., at approximately 1 a.m., they stopped to check on a car in front of them which had been hit by another car and spun out.

As they made their way to the vehicle, they saw that a semi-trailer was going to hit the car. The two jumped from the overpass for safety, not realizing they were on a bridge deck.

Mark Johnston sustained a broken arm, ribs and other injuries. He is listed in satisfactory condition at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Matthew Johnston fractured his spine and heel, but he has movement in his limbs, according to a Star Tribune report. He is listed in serious and stable condition as of Aug. 7.

The drivers of the wrecked car and semi-truck were not injured, nor anyone else in the Johnston vehicle.