(12-31-25) Ten people, including eight minors, were transported to area hospitals, in Coldwater and St. Marys, following a two-vehicle crash Monday night at the intersection of State Route 29 and Riley Road in Jefferson Township.

Celina Firefighters were dispatched to an injury crash at around 9:00 PM at the intersection of Riley Rd. and St. Rt. 29. Crews on scene found two vehicles, one of which was located on its side with two occupants with serious injuries trapped in the vehicle. A total of five ambulances from the Celina Fire Department and the St. Marys’ Fire Department transported the injured.

A 17-year-old male from Celina was driving a gold 2011 Dodge Journey southbound on Riley Road when he failed to stop at the stop sign for State Route 29 and struck a silver 2026 Honda Odyssey traveling eastbound.

Three people were believed to have suffered serious injuries, including the 17-year-old driver, his juvenile passenger, and Emily Vaubel (40) of Botkins. They were all transported to Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys for treatment.

The remaining seven individuals involved in the crash suffered minor injuries and were taken to Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater.

The Honda Odyssey was driven by Ryan Vaubel (42) of Botkins. Also in the vehicle besides his wife, Emily were their five children ranging from 10 to 16…a 17-year-old female from Anna.

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office said all occupants were wearing seat belts except for three juveniles in the Odyssey. Alcohol or drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash, and the 17-year-old driver is expected to be cited for failure to stop at a stop sign.

The crash remains under investigation.