Media Release from the Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (June 26, 2025 11:38 pm)
Eight vehicle injury crash I- 75 in Hancock County
Bluffton - At 11:31 am on June 26, 2025, the Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol received the call of a multiple vehicle crash on IR 75 near SR 103 in Hancock County.
All eight vehicles involved were traveling south on IR 75. Traffic had slowed down near SR 103. A 2019 Volvo semi and trailer driven by Barinder Sarao, age 29 of Ontario, Canada struck the slower traffic causing a chain reaction of vehicles striking each other. Mr. Sarao's semi and trailer entered the median, striking the cable barrier. Mr. Sarao's vehicle then entered the northbound lanes of IR 75 blocking the northbound lanes. This crash resulted in the lengthy closure of all lanes of both northbound and southbound IR 75.
Of the vehicles struck, Barbara Andrews, age 69 of Toledo Ohio, suffered serious injuries. Ms. Andrews was taken by Bluffton EMS to St. Rita's Hospital in Lima for treatment. Crowell Owens, age 57 of Blythewood South Carolina, suffered serious injuries. Mr. Owens was transported by HANCO EMS to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay. Mary Starks, age 53 of Columbia South Carolina, received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. None of the other driver's or occupants involved were injured.
Mr. Sarao was cited for failing to maintain an assured clear distance ahead. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected in this crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Bluffton Police Department, Bluffton Fire Department, Bluffton EMS, HANCO EMS, The Ohio Department of Transportation, Flag City Towing, Frank's Towing, and Kenny's Towing.
BLUFFTON, OH (WLIO) – A semi struck several vehicles on I-75 just outside of Bluffton, tying up traffic.
The crash happened around 11:30 am Thursday. EMS and fire departments from Hancock and Allen counties responded to the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has not released any details yet on the cause, the number of injuries, or the total number of vehicles involved. The semi was leaking fuel, prompting the closure of both northbound and southbound lanes, causing miles-long traffic backups. Lanes in both directions started reopening around two o'clock.
