Tire suspected in fatal crash

10/21/2005

ARCHBOLD, Ohio - A punctured tire apparently caused a single-car accident yesterday in Fulton County that resulted in the death of Robert Salinas, 24, of Defiance, a passenger in the car, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Mr. Salinas, who was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the car, was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.

The accident occurred on U.S. 20A at County Road 21 in German Township about 1 a.m. when a tire on the eastbound auto of Shawn Mossing, 26, of Archbold, blew out and the vehicle went off the side of the road. It then struck a utility pole and rolled several times, troopers said.

Mr. Mossing and another passenger, Adan Salinas, 29, also of Defiance, were taken to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, where they were in serious condition last night.

Adan Salinas was not wearing a seat belt and also was thrown from the vehicle.

Mr. Mossing was wearing a seat belt, troopers said.