OHIO — A chain-reaction crash involving eight vehicles shut down both directions of Interstate 75 near State Route 103 on the morning of June 26, leaving two people seriously injured and another with minor injuries.
The crash occurred around 11:31 a.m. when traffic had slowed in the southbound lanes.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Findlay Post, a 2019 Volvo semi and trailer driven by 29-year-old Barinder Sarao of Ontario, Canada, failed to stop in time and struck the slower traffic, triggering a series of collisions.
Sarao’s semi veered into the median, hit the cable barrier, and entered the northbound lanes, blocking all traffic. The crash led to a prolonged closure of both northbound and southbound lanes of I-75.
Among those injured was Barbara Andrews, 69, of Toledo, who suffered serious injuries and was taken to St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima by Bluffton EMS.
Crowell Owens, 57, of Blythewood, South Carolina, was also seriously injured and transported to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay by HANCO EMS.
Mary Starks, 53, of Columbia, South Carolina, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. No other drivers or passengers reported injuries.
Sarao was cited for failing to maintain an assured clear distance. Authorities said alcohol and drugs are not suspected factors in the crash.
Responding agencies included the Bluffton Police and Fire Departments, Bluffton EMS, HANCO EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and multiple towing services.
