(STATE PATROL PRESS RELEASE) Van Wert – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a three vehicle, fatal traffic crash that occurred on US 127 near Mile Post 7 in Van Wert County.
At approximately 1056 Hrs. a 2016 Ford Focus, operated by Zachary J. Wood, age 30, of Convoy, OH was traveling southbound on US 127 and had stopped to make a left turn into a private drive.
A 2016 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Timothy A. Kiester, age 61, of Berrien Springs, MI was traveling southbound on US 127 behind Mr. Wood’s vehicle and failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead, striking Mr. Wood’s vehicle in the rear.
The collision caused Mr. Wood’s vehicle to travel into the northbound lane of US 127 where it was struck by a 2022 International semi, operated by Christopher E. Poland, age 33, of Niles, OH.
Mr. Wood and his passenger, Logan G. Elder, age 29, of Van Wert, OH sustained fatal injuries as a result of the traffic crash and were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Van Wert County Coroner’s Office.
Mr. Poland was transported from the scene by Ohio City EMS to Ohio Health-Van Wert for injuries sustained in the crash.
The Van Wert Post was assisted on scene by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio City Fire and EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Van Wert County Coroner’s Office, Van Wert County EMA, AEP and Hague’s Towing & Repair.
The traffic crash remains under investigation.