RIDGE TWP, Ohio (WLIO) — A serious injury crash involving three vehicles occurred Sunday afternoon in Van Wert County, according to the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The crash took place on U.S. Route 30 near milepost 16 at approximately 4:06 p.m.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 Toyota Corolla, driven by 30-year-old Lester Montenegro of Indianapolis, Indiana, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 30 when he crossed the median into the westbound lanes. The vehicle then struck a 2015 Ford Escape, driven by 42-year-old Kelley Lenehan of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The collision between the two vehicles was head-on. After the initial impact, the Toyota was then struck by a 2013 white Dodge Ram 2500, driven by 21-year-old Brandon Garrett of Murray, Kentucky, who was also traveling westbound.
All vehicles came to rest in the grass median. Montenegro was transported to St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima with serious injuries. A rear passenger in Montenegro’s vehicle was life flighted from the scene by Mercy Health Life Flight with serious injuries. Lenehan, the driver of the Ford Escape, was transported to Van Wert Hospital with serious injuries. Garrett, the driver of the Dodge, was treated at the scene for minor injuries. All three drivers were wearing seat belts.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to never operate a vehicle distracted. The crash remains under investigation.
