Michigan man injured in accident on U.S. 23

5/20/2004

OTTAWA LAKE, Mich. - A Jackson, Mich., man was hurt seriously early yesterday in a three-vehicle accident on U.S. 23 at U.S. 223 in Monroe County's Whiteford Township.

A tractor-tractor rig driven by James Pifer, 44, of Coldwater, Mich., was entering southbound U.S. 23 about 5:30 a.m. from US 223 when his vehicle was struck in the rear by a car driven by Richard Frelin, 43, who was following the truck onto Route 23, Monroe County sheriff's deputies said.

Mr. Frelin's vehicle spun out of control and into southbound 23, where it was struck by a southbound vehicle driven by Eric Messer, 40, of Temperance. Mr. Frelin was flown to Medical College of Ohio Hospitals in Toledo, where he was listed in critical condition last night, a hospital spokesman said.

Mr. Messer was treated at Flower Hospital in Sylvania.

Southbound 23 was closed until about 8 a.m., forcing travelers to leave the highway at Exit 5, deputies said.