2-car crash injures pair on Route 18

BASCOM, Ohio - Two people were hurt in a head-on collision that involved a car attempting to pass a tractor-trailer on State Rt. 18, the Ohio Highway Patrol said yesterday.

Douglas Richards, 47, of Tiffin was driving westbound on Route 18 about 11:40 a.m. Sunday and tried to pass the truck, which was slowing down ahead of him. He apparently failed to see an oncoming 2001 Kia Sephia driven by Tyler Smith, 17, of Fostoria, troopers at the patrol's Sandusky post said.

The Smith youth braked sharply to avoid hitting Mr. Richards' 2003 Kia Sorento, began to slide, and went into the westbound lane, striking Mr. Richards' vehicle, troopers said.

Mr. Richards and the Smith youth initially were treated at Fostoria City Hospital and then were transferred to Toledo Hospital, where both were in fair condition yesterday.

Mr. Richards was cited for improper passing; the Smith youth was cited for a seat belt violation, troopers said.