2 hurt in train-car collision

9/3/2011

Two people were seriously hurt early Saturday when the car they were in was stuck by a train in Wood County's Lake Township, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.

Joshua Leach, 22, of Oregon, who was the driver of the car, and his passenger, Kayla Kerschner, 20, also of Oregon, were both listed in serious condition at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.

Mr. Leach was southbound on Pemberville Road at 1:24 a.m. and failed to yield for an eastbound Amtrak passenger train. He drove around the crossing gates and the vehicle was struck by the moving train. The car was pushed off the east side of the road and struck the northbound crossing gate, troopers with the patrol's Bowling Green post said.

Neither Mr. Leach nor Ms. Kerschner were wearing seat belts. There were no injuries on the train.

Troopers said alcohol was a factor in the crash. Mr. Leach was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence.