The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Patrol investigating fatal car-semi crash

Ohio State Highway Patrol information

GROVER HILL — The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Paulding County north of Grover Hill around 3:46 p.m. Monday.

At that time, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call of a traffic crash on Ohio 637, north of Township Road 82 in Jackson Township.  Deputies, Paulding Volunteer Fire and EMS, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and found a 2000 International semi-tractor fully engulfed in flames off the east side of the roadway in a field and a 2005 Chevrolet Impala partially in the roadway a short distance north of the fire, with heavy front end damage.

osplogoDuring the investigation it was determined that the 2005 Impala, driven by Jane C. Deken, 53, of Continental, drove left of center and struck the southbound International semi, driven by Brandon J. Appel, 23, of Edgerton.

The car came to rest on the east side shoulder of Ohio 637, while the semi continued for a short distance, catching fire almost immediately, and went off the east side of the roadway into a field where the driver was able to jump from the vehicle to safety prior to the semi becoming fully engulfed in fire.

Deken sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead on scene by the Paulding County Coroner’s Office.

Troopers said the victim was wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash, as was Appel, who was not injured.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash and the investigation is ongoing as to the events surrounding the crash. The highway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation and scene cleanup.

Also assisting at the scene were Paulding County EMA, Ohio Department of Transportation, Gideon’s Towing and Recovery, and J & R Towing.

POSTED: 12/09/14 at 7:35 am. FILED UNDER: News