Payne woman dies in U.S. 30 car crash

VW independent/submitted information

A Payne woman was killed in a two-car accident at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Liberty-Union Road late Monday morning.

Linda Page, 77, was pronounced dead at Van Wert County Hospital, where she was taken following the accident, which occurred at approximately 11 a.m. Monday.

According to troopers from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Page was driving south on Liberty Union Road and attempted to cross U.S. 30, but her 2009 Chevrolet Malibu was struck in the side by a 2015 Hyundai Elantra driven west on U.S. 30 by Sarah Leslie, 41, of Columbus.

Leslie was also taken to Van Wert County Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The crash resulted in a brief closing of the intersection so troopers could complete their on-scene investigation, as well as for cleanup of the accident scene, but the highway was later reopened.

According to troopers, both drivers were wearing their seatbelts, and alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.

The Van Wert OSHP Post was assisted at the accident scene by the Van Wert and Paulding County Sheriff’s Offices, Convoy Fire and EMS, Brickner Ambulance Service, Parker Mace Towing, and Superior Collision.

The Patrol encourages all motorists to wear seatbelts, avoid distracted driving, and to never drive impaired.

Updated 3/8/16 at 8:35 a.m.