FREDERICKTOWN, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Three people were killed and four others injured Wednesday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 13 and Yankee Street in Berlin Township, Knox County.
The Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash occurred at approximately 12:33 p.m.
According to the preliminary investigation, a Ford T350 Transit van was traveling westbound on Yankee Street when its driver, Gijs M. Odpam, 48, of the Netherlands, failed to yield at a stop sign.
The van entered the intersection and was struck by a northbound Kenworth T680 tractor-trailer traveling on State Route 13. The tractor-trailer was operated by James S. Cline, 51, of Mount Vernon.
Seven people were inside the Ford Transit van at the time of the crash. Three passengers suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified them as Arno Kramer, 55; Martijn E. Van Vooren, 44; and Hermanus J. Fortuin, 55, all of the Netherlands.
Odpam and the three remaining passengers in the van were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries.
Multiple emergency and public safety agencies responded to the scene, including the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Fredericktown Fire/EMS, Mount Vernon Fire Department and the Knox County Coroner’s Office.
Mike’s RV and Diesel Repair, K & S Towing, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Mount Vernon Police Chaplain’s Association also assisted with the response.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.