3 hurt in Seneca County van-car collision

8/13/2011

McCUTCHENVILLE, Ohio -- Three people were seriously injured -- and at least one remained in critical condition Friday -- when a cargo van and a convertible collided at an intersection in Seneca County's Seneca Township, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Tim Egbert, 34, of Findlay, the driver of the van, was flown to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center with serious head injuries, according to troopers at the patrol's Fremont post.

Dennis Lofay, 56, of New Riegel, Ohio, the driver of the convertible, was also flown to Mercy St. Vincent with serious head injuries, troopers said.

Carol Lofay, 50, his wife and front-seat passenger, was taken by emergency vehicle to Mercy Tiffin Hospital, where she was flown to Mercy St. Vincent with internal injuries.

A hospital spokesman said Mr. Egbert was listed in critical condition and Mrs. Lofay was in fair condition. The spokesman said she had no information about Mr. Lofay.

Mr. Egbert was driving the van west on County Road 6 heading into a bright sunset about 7:49 p.m. Thursday night when he reportedly failed to stop for the stop sign at State Rt. 53 and drove into the path of the convertible, which was southbound on the state route, according to the patrol.

The convertible struck the van in the right side. The vehicles then went off the southwest corner of the intersection into a corn field, where the van overturned, throwing Mr. Egbert to the ground, troopers said.

McCutchenville is about 50 miles southeast of Toledo.