9 involved in crash at US 30 & Ohio 49

Van Wert independent/OSHP information

A total of nine people sustained some injury, while six of those were taken to the hospital as a result of a two-vehicle accident that occurred Saturday evening at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Ohio 49. It was the second multiple injury accident at the intersection in less than two weeks.

According to troopers, a 1996 Buick Regal driven east on U.S. 30 by Cody Madaj, 17, of Coldwater, attempted to turn south from the left-hand lane, crossing into the path of a 2005 Chrysler van driven by Jon Smith, 35, of Van Wert. Smith was unable to avoid hitting the Buick, and his van continued south following the crash and hit a 2008 Mercury Mariner driven by Douglas Wierwille, 57, of Rockford.

Both Madaj’s and Smith’s vehicles slid off the right side of the road and came to rest in a ditch, while Wierwille’s Mariner remained stationary at the stop sign.

Both Madaj and a passenger in his car and Smith and three passengers in his van were taken to Van Wert County Hospital following the crash, while Wierwille and two passengers in his vehicle were treated at the scene and released.

All occupants were wearing seatbelts, troopers said, and alcohol was not a factor in the accident.

The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, Convoy Fire & EMS, Scott EMS and Brickner Ambulance Service assisted the Patrol at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation at this time.