Two Critical From CR 700N Accident
(Video and photos by Deb Patterson)
LEESBURG — An Illinois man and a Cromwell teen are in critical condition following a two-vehicle accident at CR 700N and CR 200E. The accident occurred around 2:56 p.m.
Emergency personnel arrived and extracted five individuals from two separate vehicles.
Benito Lozano, 34, Auroa, Ill., was flown from the scene. He was taken to Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, by Lutheran Air. He suffered head injuries.
An air ambulance from Parkview Hospital was also called to the scene but did not transport a patient
The four others injured were taken to Kosciusko Community Hospital. Josh Loetz, 18, Cromwell, suffered head injuries and was taken by ambulance to a Fort Wayne hospital; Quinn S. Crough, 20, Milford; Mathes Torres Amado, 19, Syracuse and Matthew G. Hamman, 21, Leesburg, suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Loetz, Amado and Mathes were all passengers in the Crough van.
A preliminary investigation of the crash by the Kosciusko County Fatal Alcohol Crash Team members has determined a white 1998 Ford Econoline van, driven by Crough was westbound on CR 700N, approaching the intersection of CR 200E. Crough attempted to pass a vehicle in a no passing zone as it was slowing directly in front of him. Lozano, driving a 2013 Ford Focus, attempted to cross the intersection northbound, on CR 200E, at the same time, but was impacted on the passenger’s side by Crough’s van.
The crash is still under investigation according to the Kosciusko County FACT team reconstructionist. The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted by the Leesburg/Plain Township Fire Department, Warsaw/Wayne Township Fire Territory and Lutheran Kosciusko EMS.