One of two vehicles involved in a serious head-on crash near Leesburg. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

UPDATE: Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Plain Township/Leesburg Fire Department personnel responded today to a reported head-on vehicular crash near Leesburg.

Officers and rescue personnel arrived at the intersection of Armstrong Road and CR 200 East at approximately 3:35 p.m. after receiving a 9-1-1 call of the two vehicle crash.

Gregory A. Smith, 77, of North Webster, had to be extricated from his Ford F-150 pickup truck by firefighters with Leesburg/PTFD. Initially, Lutheran Air was summoned and a landing zone was being established at Leesburg Elementary School, but reports tonight say the helicopter had mechanical issues and could not fly.

Smith was immediately transported by Multi-Township EMS by ambulance to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne in serious condition. Police say he sustained a severe head laceration.

The driver of the second vehicle, Randall W. Shepherd, 27, of Warsaw, refused medical treatment. Investigating officers say Shepherd was westbound on Armstrong Road driving a Ford Explorer when he said a vehicle directly in front of his suddenly stopped in the roadway. Shepherd swerved to his left, crossing the centerline and causing the head-on accident with Smith’s eastbound truck.

Officers of the Winona Lake Police Department also assisted at the scene.

BREAKING: Leesburg/Plain Township Fire Department has cancelled a landing zone for an air ambulance at Leesburg Elementary School following a head-on crash.

The accident happened at about 3:40 p.m. at Armstrong Road and CR 200 East. Two vehicles collided, resulting in an elderly man complaining of head and body pain. The driver of the second vehicle had exited the vehicle prior to emergency personnel arriving.

Initially, Lutheran Air was called to scene but was unable to fly. Medics on scene ultimately disregarded the helicopter and transported the patient by ambulance to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

We have a reporter headed to the scene and will have additional information when it becomes available.