2 people killed in Paulding County crash

VW independent/submitted information

ANTWERP — The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a double-fatality crash that occurred at approximately 3:58 p.m. Thursday on Ohio 49, just north of Township Road 214, in Paulding County.

A 1995 Buick Riviera, operated by Zachery S. Burns, 27, of Antwerp, was southbound on Ohio 49 when the car rear-ended a southbound 2003 Dodge Durango. The impact caused the Durango to slide left of center, where it was then struck by a northbound 2016 Chevrolet 3500 driven by Kurtis Ellert, 40, of Hamilton, Indiana.

After the initial impact, the Burns vehicle slid off of the right side of the roadway then veered back onto the highway where it crossed the center line and was struck by a northbound 2005 Pontiac G6 driven by Josh Gerken, 33, of Edon.

Both occupants of the Durango, who were not identified, were pronounced dead at the scene by Paulding County Coroner Dr. Joseph M. Kuhn. Neither of the occupants were wearing seatbelts. Burns was transported to Paulding County Hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries, while Gerken was also transported to Paulding County Hospital.

A rear passenger of the Ellert vehicle was transported to Paulding County Hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries, as was Ellert and a front seat passenger.

The crash resulted in a closure of Ohio 49, between County Road 204, and County Road 220, for several hours. The roadway has since been reopened.

The Van Wert Post was assisted by Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Antwerp Fire and EMS, Gideon’s Towing, and J & R Towing.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages drivers and occupants to always where their seat belts, to never drive distracted or impaired, and to reduce speed during inclement weather.