Fatal crash

The Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a fatal crash that occurred shortly after 10:30 Thursday morning on State Route 116, east of Reidenbach Road in Ridge Township. Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach said a 2021 Hyundai Elantra driven by Sara Closson of Delphos ran into the rear of a tractor-trailer driven by Joseph Eilerman of Elida. Both vehicles were westbound on 116 and both went off the road, with Closson’s car bursting into flames. She was pronounced dead at the scene while Eilerman escaped injury. Assisting at the scene were Middle Point Fire and EMS, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Van Wert County Coroner’s Office, Van Wert County EMA, Hague Towing, and 2A’s Auto Sales. Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office photo