Paulding – The Van Wert Post is currently investigating a two-vehicle injury crash that occurred at 11:05am today on US 24 near County Road 143 in Paulding County.

A silver 2020 Honda Fit, being operated by Jonathon Barnes (35) of Leipsic, Ohio, was traveling westbound on US 24 in the left lane approaching the intersection of Twp Road 143. Barnes had an 8-year-old passenger in his vehicle. A gray 2007 Peterbilt semi towing a 2021 semi-trailer loaded with swine feed, being operated by Todd A. Maassel (55) of Defiance, Ohio, was also westbound on US 24 in the left lane. Maassel had a passenger in his vehicle, Jeremy Beck (42) of Archbold, Ohio.

Masselwas accelerating after it had entered US 24 from TWP Road 143 and was struck in the rear by Barnes. Both occupants with Barnes sustained serious injuries and were flown by Samaritan Air to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. The occupants in the semi were not injured.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire and EMS, John’s Towing, and Samaritan Air.

The crash remains under investigations and the State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to not drive distracted.