Crane Township – The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating an injury crash which occurred on US 24 at County Road 87, in Crane Township on July 27, 2020, at approximately 8:25 A.M.
A 2020 Freightliner semi-tractor trailer, driven by 33-year old Philip Hamstra of Porter, Indiana was eastbound on US 24 approaching County Road 87 in the right lane and started to slow to make a right turn. A 2007 International semi-tractor trailer, driven by 30-year old Roberto Leiva Santamaria of Fort Wayne, Indiana was following Mr. Hamstra too closely and was unable to react in time. Mr. Leiva Santamaria struck the rear of Mr. Hamstra’s trailer causing his International semi to overturn onto US24 blocking a portion of the highway. Philip Hamstra was transported Paulding Hospital with minor injuries while Roberto Leiva Santamaria was treated on scene.
US24 was closed for approximately two hours and then partially reopened while crews worked to clear the scene. All lanes of US24 have been cleared and reopened.
All occupants were wearing seatbelts and alcohol was not a factor in this crash. Mr. Leiva Santamaria was cited for assured clear distance ahead.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, Paulding EMA, Paulding Volunteer Fire and EMS, Antwerp and Crane Twp/Cecil Volunteer Fire and EMS, and Gideon’s Towing and Recovery.
