PORTAGE TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Three people were hospitalized with serious injuries following a crash in Ottawa County on Monday evening.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reported that the accident occurred just before 7 p.m. on State Route 163 near Christy Chapel Road in Portage Township. According to OSHP, a 23-year-old driver from Port Clinton was traveling southbound on Christy Chapel Road when he attempted to make a right-hand turn onto SR 163. However, the driver went left of center, causing the vehicle to lose control.
The 28-year-old driver of a second vehicle, also from Port Clinton, swerved off the roadway to avoid the crash, striking a utility pole on the southeast corner of the intersection. The 28-year-old, along with two passengers—aged 40 and 56, both from Port Clinton—were trapped inside the vehicle until first responders arrived.
Port Clinton Fire and Rescue personnel worked quickly to extricate the occupants, and all three were taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
OSHP investigators stated that alcohol or drug impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
Authorities remind drivers to exercise caution on the roads and to always remain aware of their surroundings when navigating intersections.