Two individuals seriously injured in crash

JUNE 26 MEDIA RELEASE__At 11:31 a.m. on June 26, 2025, the Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol received the call of a multiple vehicle crash on IR 75 near SR 103 in Hancock County. 

All eight vehicles involved were traveling south on IR 75. Traffic had slowed down near SR 103. A 2019 Volvo semi and trailer driven by Barinder Sarao, age 29 of Ontario, Canada struck the slower traffic causing a chain reaction of vehicles striking each other. Mr. Sarao's semi and trailer entered the median, striking the cable barrier. Mr. Sarao's vehicle then entered the northbound lanes of IR 75 blocking the northbound lanes. This crash resulted in the lengthy closure of all lanes of both northbound and southbound IR 75. 

Of the vehicles struck, Barbara Andrews, age 69 of Toledo, Ohio, suffered serious injuries. Ms. Andrews was taken by Bluffton EMS to St. Rita's Hospital in Lima for treatment. Crowell Owens, age 57 of Blythewood, South Carolina, suffered serious injuries. Mr. Owens was transported by HANCO EMS to Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay. Mary Starks, age 53 of Columbia, South Carolina, received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. None of the other drivers or occupants involved were injured. 

Mr. Sarao was cited for [Assured Clear Distance Ahead]. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected in this crash. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Bluffton Police Department, Bluffton Fire Department, Bluffton EMS, HANCO EMS, The Ohio Department of Transportation, Flag City Towing, Frank's Towing, and Kenny's Towing.