4 hurt in accident in Paulding County

VW independent/submitted information

PAULDING — The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post has provided an update on an multiple-injury accident that occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. Friday on County Road 232 at County Road 133, in Paulding County.

According to troopers, a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Kathleen Aschliman, 17, of Defiance, was northbound on County Road 133, while a 2001 Ford Focus driven by Rita Pender, 26, of Paulding, was traveling west on County Road 232.

Aschliman failed to yield to Pender’s vehicle and her SUV was struck in the right side. Both vehicles then traveled off the northwest side of the intersection, sustaining heavy damage. A 2012 Honda Odyssey driven by Audrey Weippert, 79, of Cecil, was stopped in the southbound lane on County Road 133 at the intersection when the crash occurred, and was struck by the Blazer as it spun, knocking the Honda minivan off the roadway.

Pender was transported via LifeFlight helicopter to Parkview North Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A passenger in her vehicle, Christopher Pender, 25, of Paulding, was taken to Defiance Regional Hospital, while Weippert was transported to Paulding County Hospital, and Aschliman was taken to Defiance Regional Hospital, where they were treated and released.

Seat belts were in use at the time of the crash and helped to minimize injuries. Pender is now in stable condition after initially being listed as “critical”. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, as well as Gideon’s and J & R Towing.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to always buckle up, and to use caution at intersections allowing ample time for vehicles which have the right of way.