Crane Township – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a three vehicle injury crash that occurred on U.S. 24 just east of U.S. 127, in Paulding County.
On September 6, 2017, at approximately 3:03 P.M., a 2015 Ram, operated by David Russell, age 46, of Beechmont, Kentucky, was eastbound on U.S. 24. Mr. Russell lost control during a period of heavy rain, slid through the median, and was struck by a westbound 2017 GMC driven by Michel Lalonde, age 36, of Bourget, Ontario. A 2011 Volvo semi, driven by Kevin Cameron, age 60, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was also westbound, and struck the rear of the Lalonde vehicle.
Both Michel Lalonde, and a passenger, Vicky Lalonde, age 35, of Bourget, Ontario, were treated and released. Both were using seatbelts at the time of the crash. David Russell was transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Russell was also using a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Kevin Cameron was also transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Seatbelt use for Mr. Cameron is unknown.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation – Paulding, Paulding Fire and EMS, Paulding County EMA, Sherwood Fire, Parkview EMS, Antwerp EMS, R and O Towing, Hoagy Towing and Recovery, and Parker Towing and Recovery.
Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation. Both westbound and eastbound lanes of U.S. 24 were closed for the recovery and clean-up process, however have since been re-opened. The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always where their seat belts, to never drive distracted or impaired, and to reduce speed during inclement weather.
