Van Wert County, Ohio – Ohio State Highway Patrol is actively investigating a serious two‑vehicle crash that occurred just after midnight on Tuesday, September 22, on U.S. 30 near mile marker 19 in Ridge Township.
According to the patrol, the accident involved a 2020 Kenworth T680 semi‑truck driven by 57‑year‑old David Ray Freels of Van Wert and a 2014 Mazda CX‑9 driven by 29‑year‑old Queen Rocquil Denis Alexander of South Bend. Alexander was traveling west on U.S. 30 behind Freels when the semi struck the Mazda from behind.
The impact forced the Mazda off the left side of the roadway. The semi also left the pavement, entered the median, and collided with a retaining wall before coming to rest in Dog Creek.
Injuries and medical response
Emergency medical services transported Alexander and the five juvenile passengers in the Mazda to Mercy Health‑St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima for treatment. Freels required extrication from the semi‑truck and was airlifted to Mercy Health‑St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.
Ongoing investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post remains on scene, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The agency has not released details about the cause of the crash, but officials indicated that a thorough review of vehicle conditions, driver actions, and roadway factors will be conducted.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the collision to contact the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Community impact
Local residents expressed concern over the safety of the U.S. 30 corridor, a major east‑west route that serves commuters, commercial traffic, and agricultural transport throughout the region. While the crash caused significant disruption, traffic was rerouted while investigators worked to clear the scene and restore normal flow.
Mayor of Van Wert, John Smith, praised the rapid response of emergency personnel and urged drivers to exercise caution, especially during early‑morning hours when visibility can be limited.
Safety reminders
State officials continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining safe following distances, especially for larger commercial vehicles, and encourage all drivers to stay alert for sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions.
The investigation remains open, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
