Fredericktown, OH (August 20, 2026) – Three people were killed, and four others were injured in a two-vehicle crash on Wednesday, August 19, at the intersection of State Route 13 and Yankee Street in Berlin Township, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 12:33 p.m. when a Ford T350 Transit van traveling west on Yankee Street failed to yield at a stop sign. The van was then struck in the intersection by a northbound Kenworth T680 tractor-trailer on State Route 13, according to troopers.
Seven people were inside the van. Three passengers, identified as 55-year-old Arno Kramer, 44-year-old Martijn E. Van Vooren, and 55-year-old Hermanus J. Fortuin, all of the Netherlands, died at the scene.
The van’s driver, 48-year-old Gijs M. Odpam of the Netherlands, and three other passengers were taken to local hospitals with injuries. The condition of the tractor-trailer driver, 51-year-old James S. Cline of Mount Vernon, was not released. The Mount Gilead Post is investigating the crash. The intersection is in Berlin Township near Fredericktown.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of Arno Kramer, Martijn E. Van Vooren, and Hermanus J. Fortuin. We also extend our thoughts to those injured and everyone affected by this tragic crash.
What Makes Large Truck Crashes So Dangerous?
Large commercial trucks can have a significant size and weight advantage over passenger vehicles. Because of this difference, a collision between a tractor-trailer and a smaller vehicle can produce severe damage and serious injuries. Trucks also require more time and distance to stop, particularly when carrying heavy loads.
Drivers should give large trucks plenty of space and avoid remaining in areas where the truck driver may have limited visibility. When approaching an intersection, motorists should remain alert to the truck’s speed and direction before entering its path. Safe following distances are especially important because trucks cannot stop as quickly as smaller vehicles.
Intersections require attention from every driver because vehicles may approach from several directions at once. Drivers should obey stop signs and traffic signals and make sure the roadway is clear before proceeding. Avoiding distractions and slowing down when approaching an intersection can give motorists more time to recognize potential hazards.
