VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Putnam County, Ohio, Oct. 21, 2026 — Two people died on Tuesday morning, October 20, in a head-on crash between a Jeep and a semi-truck on State Route 613 in Van Buren Township, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
The Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the crash around 8:18 a.m., according to the agency. A 45-year-old West Millgrove man was driving a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo west on State Route 613 when the Jeep reportedly crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2025 Freightliner Cascadia semi head-on.
The Jeep driver and his passenger, a 43-year-old Leipsic man, were pronounced dead at the scene. The semi's driver, a 47-year-old Findlay man, was not reported injured.
The crash remains under investigation. No further details have been released.
Our sympathies are with the families of everyone who lost their lives.
More on Crashes in Van Buren Township, OH
This fatal crash happened on State Route 613 in Van Buren Township, OH. We cover crashes across Putnam County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Putnam County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do trucks need so much distance to stop?
A loaded semi weighs many times more than a passenger vehicle, and that extra weight means its brakes need much more distance and time to bring it to a stop, especially at highway speeds.
Why are crashes between trucks and passenger cars often more severe than car-to-car crashes?
The size and weight gap between a semi and a car means the smaller vehicle and its occupants absorb most of the force in a collision, which tends to produce more serious injuries.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, often because the trailer sits higher than the car's main crash structure.
Why do a truck's blind spots matter so much?
Semi-trucks have large blind spots along both sides, behind the trailer, and just in front of the cab, so other drivers who linger in those areas may not be visible to the truck driver at all.
What to Do After a Head-on Crash in Van Buren Township, Ohio
If you're involved in a head-on crash, call 911 right away and stay as still as possible until emergency crews arrive, since injuries from this kind of impact aren't always obvious at first. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, because adrenaline can mask pain from whiplash, internal injuries, or concussions. Take photos of the scene if you're able to safely do so, get the names and badge numbers of responding officers, and ask how to obtain a copy of the official crash report once it's filed. Giving yourself time to rest and following up with a doctor in the days after the crash can make a real difference in recovery.
