2 INJURED IN OBERLIN CRASH

Pittsfield Township – A two-car crash in the intersection of Route 20 & Route 58 Tuesday afternoon sent two people to the hospital – one in critical condition.

Trooper Charlie Jackson of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that 19-year-old William Durbin of Wakeman was traveling eastbound on Route 20 approaching the intersection of Route 58 when the crash occurred. As he hit the intersection, 16 year old Daniel Freehling of Wellington was traveling west on Route 20 and attempted to make a left turn onto 58 causing Durbin to strike Freehling’s 2007 Chevy HHR with his 1991 red VW Corrado.

Jackson said that both Durbin and his passenger, 20-year-old Corey Barnes of Wakeman, were only wearing lap belts at the time of the crash. “The car was equipped with lap and20shoulder belts but they disabled the shoulder part. I asked him why and he said that is just the way he wears it.” Barnes was sent through the windshield during the collision – causing serious head injuries.

Paramedics from Central Lorain County Ambulance District treated Barnes at the scene then transported him to Allen Community Hospital. He was then flown a short time later to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

Although Durbin and Freehling both declined treatment or transport – Durbin decided later to be taken for evaluation. Durbin struck the steering wheel during the crash – bending it and putting a hole in his chin. Freehling was released at the scene to his parents.

Jackson said that Freehling was charged with Failure to Yield when Turning Left.

Durbin and Barnes were both cited for Failing to Wear a Seat Belt Properly. Jackson said that state law requires drivers and passengers to properly wear their safety belts. “The section says that a person wears all available elements of a properly adjusted occupant restraining device. So when it says all elements – that means if the vehicle has it, if it has a lap and a shoulder harness and even though it’s detachable – you still have to use them.”

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