WAPAKONETA — A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 Wednesday led to minor injuries and an extended lane closure on the highway that left traffic backed up for more than an hour.
According to a report from the Wapakoneta post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Jadin Pauling, 20, of Hamtramck, Michigan, was driving a black 2009 Dodge Avenger north on I-75 about two miles south of Wapakoneta at 3:19 p.m. Kenneth Bruns, 60, of Tatamy, Pennsylvania, was operating a white and green 2015 Volvo tractor-trailer in the south lane of the highway. The third vehicle, a white GMC station wagon, was being driven by Kirstin Hedin, 37, of Ham Lake, Minnesota, also in the south lane.
For an unknown reason, Pauling drove through the grass median and into the left southbound lane of I-75 and was struck by Bruns’ vehicle. Pauling’s vehicle spun around and was struck a second time by Hedin’s vehicle traveling in the right southbound lane. All three vehicles sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene.
Jadin Pauling had non-incapacitating injuries and had to be extricated from his vehicle. He was taken by St. Johns EMS to Lima Memorial Health System.
Kenneth Bruns and Kirstin Hedin were treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Botkins Fire and EMS, St. Johns Fire and Rescue, Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Auglaize County Emergency Management.
Seat belts were in use by all occupants involved. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor, although drug impairment was being investigated. The crash remained under investigation late Wednesday.
Both lanes of I-75 were completely shut down for about 80 minutes.
