Two injured in accident on U.S. 224

OSHP information

MIDDLEBURY – A portion of U.S. 224 was closed for approximately three hours Tuesday as a result of an accident that occurred near the intersection of Bergner Road around 3:30 p.m.

According to troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 1999 Freightliner semi tractor-trailer rig was being driven east on U.S. 224 by Gurcharan Benipal, 57, of East Windsor, N.J., when he reportedly failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead and rear-ended a 2004 Buick Rendezvous also being driven east by Robert Gordon, 73, of Van Wert. Troopers said Gordon had slowed for another vehicle that was turning north onto Bergner Road.

Benipal apparently swerved at the last moment to avoid hitting the Gordon vehicle, but was unsuccessful, knocking the Rendezvous into the path of a 2005 Peterbilt semi rig operated by Ryan Cummings, 35, of Sheridan, Ind., that was headed west on U.S. 224.

The 1999 Freightliner jackknifed and ended up in the intersection of U.S. 224 and Bergner Road, completely blocking both lanes of Route 224. The Gordon vehicle came to rest in the ditch northwest of the intersection, while the 2005 Peterbilt semi ended up approximately two-tenths of a mile west of the intersection.

Both Gordon and a passenger in his vehicle were taken to Van Wert County Hospital, where they were treated and released. Neither truck driver was injured. All of those in the accident were wearing seatbelts and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, Ohio City Fire Department, Brickner Ambulance Service and the Ohio Department of Transportation, which helped re-route traffic onto Ohio 49 until the roadway was cleared and reopened.