Marion County, OH – Serious Injury in Three-Vehicle Accident on US Rte 23

Marion County, OH (August 6, 2024) – On Monday, August 5, a crash involving three vehicles on US Rte 23 seriously injured James P. Wetzel, 79, from Marion. Wetzel was initially transported to Marion General Hospital and later airlifted to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The accident occurred around 2:10 p.m. and involved a Freightliner Cascadia semi-tractor trailer, a Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Wetzel, and a Ford Taurus. Wetzel and the semi were traveling northbound in the right lane while the Taurus was in the left lane. Wetzel slowed to turn right onto Linn Hipsher Rd, and the semi swerved, hitting Wetzel’s motorcycle. The semi veered off the road, struck a stop sign, and ended in a ditch. Debris from the crash hit the Taurus.

The semi and Taurus drivers were unharmed. Salt Rock Fire and EMS, Marion Township EMS, Ohio Department of Transportation, Liverpool Towing, and Kirby’s Towing assisted at the scene.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash and are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.