Indiana woman dies in U.S. 127 crash

Van Wert independent/OSHP information

OHIO CITY – A New Haven, Ind., woman was killed when car was rear-ended by a semi tractor-trailer rig at the intersection of U.S. 127 and Ohio 81 this morning.

Elizabeth Klug, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene by Van Wert County Coroner Dr. Scott Jarvis. Troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Klug was northbound on U.S. 127 in a 2002 Dodge Caravan at about 7:45 a.m. Tuesday when she slowed near the intersection with Ohio 81 and was rear-ended by a 2007 Kenworth tractor-trailer rig that was also northbound on Route 127.

Both vehicles came to rest in the north and southbound lanes of U.S. 127, blocking off the highway.

Douglas L. Bell, 45, of Maria Stein, the driver of the semi, was taken to Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert, where he was treated for minor injuries and released.

Klug was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident, the Patrol said, adding that it was unknown whether Bell was wearing his.

U.S. 127, between SR 81 and Fox Road, remained closed for some time during the accident investigation and crash cleanup, but all lanes were open to traffic by 2:30 Tuesday afternoon.

The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio City Fire Department and EMS assisted the Patrol on scene.

The traffic crash is currently under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.