7 PEOPLE INJURED IN REAR-ENDER

Eaton Township – A three car crash Saturday night on Route 82 just east of Durkee sent seven people to the hospital – all with non-life threatening injuries.

Trooper Clifton Dowell of the Ohio State Patrol said that the crash occurred as Therese Lanzara of Willoughby was traveling east on Route 82 in her Nissan Rogue and came to a stop and was getting ready to make a left turn into a private driveway to attend a graduation party.

A Jeep Cherokee, driven by 25-year-old Robert Lebinsky of Oberlin, directly behind the Lanzara also stopped. The problems started when a Ford F-250 Extended Cab behind the Jeep failed to stop.

The F-250, driven by 36-year-old Jennifer Martin of Grafton, crashed into the rear of the Jeep sending it into the back of the Nissan. There were no skids marks left on the road from Martin’s F-250 indicating that she never hit her brakes prior to the crash.

Firefighters from Eaton Township, Grafton Village and Columbia Station treated and transported seven victims – 5 to Elyria Memorial Hospital and 2 to Southwest General. Most of victims were complaining of neck and back injuries. Even with extensive damage to the Jeep, none of the victims were trapped.

Route 82 was closed down in both directions while Firefighters treated the victims and Troopers investigated the scene. The road reopened about one hour later.

Trooper Dowell said that Martin was charged with “Assured Clear Distance Ahead”.

Troopers continue to investigate the crash and further charges could be filed.

To see more photos from the scene: CLICK HERE