SUMMARY: Pile-up involved semi, seven cars
An eight vehicle pile-up on state Route 39 that injured four persons is under investigation by the Holmes County Sheriffs office.
Injured in the crash were Robert J. Harris, 54, Yoder Road, Sugarcreek; Katie Zimmerly, 26, North Broadway, New Philadelphia, Amy Victoria Spring, age unknown, Union Avenue, Dover, and Judy K. Littleton, 54, Independence Circle, New Philadelphia.
According to sheriffs reports, the crash occurred on state Route 39 west of Sugarcreek near Township Road 420 at approximately 8:45 a.m. when several cars were stopped for road construction in the westbound lane. A 2000 Mac semi truck driven by Theodore Glancy, Jr., 60, of Elwood, New Jersey, was traveling westbound and struck the rear of Harris vehicle.
Harris was spun around into the eastbound lane by the impact, where he was struck a second time by an eastbound 2011 Peterbilt dump truck driven by David J. Ridenour, 47, state Route 751 SW, Stone Creek. The dump truck and Harris vehicle came to rest partly off the eastbound lane.
The semi continued westbound and ended up with its left wheel atop the passenger side of a 2001 Hyundai driven by Spring. The semi pushed the Hyundai into a 2006 Chevrolet driven by Zimmerly, and Zimmerly was pushed into a 2002 Pontiac driven by Littleton.
Littletons vehicle was knocked sideways and struck a 2001 Mitsubishi driven by Angie J. Yoder, 23, Basel Street, Sugarcreek. Yoders vehicle was pushed into a 2007 Chrysler driven by Rachel M. Schlabach, 32, Oak Ridge Road, Sugarcreek.
Harris was transported to Union Hospital by Sugarcreek EMS, and taken from Union to Aultman by Smith Ambulance. He is reported in satisfactory condition.
Zimmerly was transported to Union Hospital by Sugarcreek EMS and her condition is unknown. Spring and Littleton were transported to Pomerence Hospital by East Holmes EMS where they were treated and released, according to hospital staff.
Sugarcreek fire reports indicate three of the vehicles were totaled. Glancy was hauling a load of steel at the time of the crash.
Orange warning signs were posted indicating the road construction at the time of the crash.
East Holmes, Swiss Valley and Winesburg fire and EMS provided mutual aid.
State Route 39 was closed at the accident site from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Wooster Post, assisted in the investigation. Sheriffs Capt. Dale Renker said charges are pending.
