(10-13-22) Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach released that his Office is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on U.S Route 127 near Snyder Road in Liberty Township.
At 10:03 a.m. on Thursday, October 13th a 9-1-1 call from a concerned citizen who was following a blue S.U.V. driving all over the roadway southbound on U.S Route 127 near State Route 709. While the 911 operator was on the line, the caller advised the Blue S.U.V. struck a semi.
A 2003 Chevy Tahoe S.U.V, operated by William J. Stanton (62) of Beavercreek, Ohio, was traveling southbound on U.S Route 127. A 2020 Peterbilt Semi-Tractor, operated by Thomas E. Biving (70) of Adrian, Michigan, was traveling northbound on U.S 127. Stanton’s vehicle crossed the center line and sideswiped the driver’s side of Biving’s Semi. The Chevy Tahoe and the Peterbilt Semi sustained heavy damage and were towed from the scene.
The driver William Stanton sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash. Stanton was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Van Wert County Coroner’s Office. Biving suffered no apparent injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by Ohio City Fire and E.M.S., Van Wert Fire and E.M.S., Hague Towing, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Van Wert County Coroner’s Office. Photos courtesy of Bob Barnes.
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