OHIO — Several people were hospitalized Friday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. Route 127 and State Route 219.
According to the Wapakoneta Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around noon when a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country, driven by 62-year-old Joseph J. Homan of Coldwater, failed to stop at a red light while traveling eastbound on SR 219.
Homan’s vehicle struck a northbound 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe on US 127, driven by 40-year-old Brian D. Hess of Maria Stein.
Following the collision, Homan’s SUV veered off the road and struck a utility pole. He was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious injuries.
Homan was first taken to Mercer County Community Hospital and later life-flighted to Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
Hess, who was wearing a seatbelt, was accompanied by two young passengers—Hudson Hess, 7, who was secured in a booster seat, and Paxton Hess, 2, who was in a child restraint system.
All three were transported by EMS to Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys for evaluation.
Authorities say that alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Coldwater Fire Department, Lakeshore Auto Towing, and Nelson’s Towing assisted at the scene.
