3 people hurt in 2-vehicle county crash

Ohio State Highway Patrol information

The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle injury crash that occurred on Wednesday, July 30^th at 6:32pm. Three people were injured in the crash, which occurred at the intersection of U.S. 127 and Wren Landeck Road in Van Wert County.

According to investigating troopers, a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu operated by Scott Cowling, 17, of Van Wert, was eastbound on Wren Landeck Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with U.S. 127. Cowling’s vehicle continued into the intersection and was struck in the passenger’s side by a northbound 1999 Ford Expedition operated by Susan Applegate, 64, of Harlan, Indiana.

Cowling’s vehicle was pushed off the east side of the roadway where it overturned, coming to rest on its top. The Applegate’s vehicle continued off the east side of the roadway before coming to rest in a cornfield.

Cowling was transported from the scene by Brickner Ambulance Service to Van Wert County Hospital. Applegate and her passenger, Jeffrey Applegate, 64, also of Harlan, were transported by Ohio City EMS to Van Wert County Hospital. Due to the extent of Mr. Applegate’s injuries, he was flown from the local hospital to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by Samaritan Medical Transport.

Alcohol use is not believed to be a factor and all occupants were wearing their seatbelts.

Assisting at the scene were the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio City Fire Department and EMS, Brickner Ambulance Service, and 2 A’s Towing.