SYLVANIA TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that caused Central Avenue to shut down between King Road and Centennial Road in Sylvania Township late Friday morning.
OSHP said that around 11:30 a.m., a Ford truck driven by Dennis Howard, 59, of Swanton, was driving westbound on U.S. 20 when he drove left of center, swiped another car and then struck a utility pole, gas line and a sign.
Howard was transported to the hospital with serious injuries and was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to OSHP. The 26-year-old driver of the vehicle that was swiped was not injured in the crash.
U.S. 20 was still closed as of 6 p.m. Friday due to the gas leak caused by the crash. It is unclear when the roadway will open.
A Columbia Gas spokesperson said that the crash resulted in "regulators" being hit which took down pressure to the line that it's connected to. Two homes and one business were evacuated but no customers are without service, Columbia Gas said.
Sylvania Township police released a statement warning drivers to avoid the area:
"Please be aware that Central Avenue between King Road and Centennial Road has been shut down both directions due to an accident affecting a gas line. At this time, we are unaware of how long the road closure may last. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we clear the accident scene so that we may open the roadway as quickly as possible."
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