Big-rig, pickup truck collide NW of Willard
By David Jacobs
SENECA COUNTY – A pickup truck and big-rig collided about 14 miles northwest of Willard, resulting in both drivers being taken to hospitals and a home being struck in the crash’s immediate aftermath, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports.
The crash occurred at 6:43 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 on State Route 4 near State Route 269 in Reed Township of Seneca County.
The patrol said that its preliminary investigation shows that:
– a 2001 Chevy Silverado, operated by Stanlee Howell, of Bucyrus, was traveling northeast on State Route 4.
– A 2009 Peterbilt semi-truck, operated by Robert Smith, of Fostoria, was heading southwest on State Route 4.
“Mr. Howell attempted to turn left onto State Route 269 and was struck by the Peterbilt semi,” the patrol said in a statement provided Saturday. “Both vehicles traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Peterbilt struck a nearby home before coming to final rest.”
Mr. Howell sustained serious injuries. He was flown from Bellevue Hospital to MetroHealth in Cleveland. It’s not known whether he was wearing a seat belt.
Mr. Smith, who was wearing his seat belt and sustained possible injuries, was transported to Bellevue Hospital.
No information was immediately available on the severity of any damage to the house or whether anyone was home at the time.
The crash remains under investigation by the patrol’s Norwalk post.
The patrol was assisted at the scene by Bellevue Fire Department, North Central EMS, Seneca County Sheriff's Office, Huron County Sheriff's Office, Interstate Towing, and Wilcox Towing.