One driver was killed and five others, including three young children, were injured Saturday in a head-on crash that shut down U.S. 33 for four hours.
Adam Hamilton, 26, of Fort Wayne, Ind., was headed west on U.S. 33 just before 11:45 a.m. when he attempted to pass a tractor-trailer between Palmer Road and U.S. 127.
Hamilton, driving a 2013 Nissan, entered the path of a 2003 Volvo carrying a family of five. He and the Volvo driver, Joshua Angel 35, also of Fort Wayne, took evasive action to avoid a crash. Both drivers swerved into the ditch on the south side of U.S. 33; where they collided head-on in the ditch, according to a release issued by Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey.
Hamilton was taken to Van County Hospital, where he was transferred by helicopter to Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne. He died from his injuries shortly before 4:30 p.m., according to the sheriff's office.
Angel, his wife, 34-year-old Christine Angel; and their three young sons: Isaac, 8; Jonah, 5; and Elijah, 4, were all taken to Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Mary's, Ohio. The boys were all treated and released. Their parents were both transferred by helicopter to Parkview Regional Hospital. They were receiving intensive care, listed Sunday afternoon in serious condition.
All occupants were wearing seat belts, and frontal and side impact airbags deployed in both vehicles, according to the sheriff's office.
The sheriff's office was assisted by Mendon and Rockford fire departments, and the Mercer County Emergency Response Volunteers handled the traffic detour. Also responding to the scene were EMS units from Rockford and Celina fire departments.
