Four injured in multiple-car pileup

At least four persons were injured in a Monday chain reaction crash involving a semi and six passenger vehicles.

According to Sugarcreek Fire and EMS reports, the crash occurred on state Route 39 west of Sugarcreek near Township Road 420 at approximately 9 a.m. when several cars were stopped for road construction in the westbound lane. A semi truck traveling westbound struck the rear of the line of cars, spinning the end car into the eastbound lane where it was struck by a dump truck, also traveling eastbound.

The dump truck and car exited the roadway, coming to rest in a field.

The semi continued westbound, eventually coming to rest partially on top of the passenger side of a white sedan. Several other vehicles were pushed into each other as a result of the initial collision.

Sugarcreek fire reports seven vehicles involved, with three of the vehicles totaled. Preliminary reports from the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicated eight vehicles were involved.

Road conditions were partly foggy, according to reports.

The names of the four injured have not been released and their conditions are unknown. The truck driver was from a New Jersey trucking company, according to reports.

East Holmes, Swiss Valley and Winesburg fire and EMS provided mutual aid. Of the crash victims, two were transported to Pomerene Hospital and two to Union Hospital.

The crash remains under investigation by the Holmes County Sheriff's office.

SR 39 was closed at the accident site from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.