PAW PAW TOWNSHIP -
Two drivers are hospitalized in Paw Paw after a truck-car collision on M-51 Friday afternoon.
According to Sheriff Dale Gribler, at 4:05 p.m. Van Buren County Sheriff's Department deputies and additional emergency personnel responded to a report of a two-car personal-injury crash in the 64000 block of M-51 in Paw Paw Township. Emergency responders discovered both vehicles in a ditch on the roadway's west side of the road.
Both the truck and car had significant damage and the drivers were trapped inside both vehicles. The Paw Paw Fire Department was able to free the two and they were transported by ambulances to Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw.
The deputies' investigation revealed that Oliver Herron, 78, of Decatur had been driving a 1992 Dodge Dakota pickup truck northbound on M-51 when he lost control on the slippery pavement. The truck crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2006 Pontiac driven by Susan Oostewal, 44, of Dowagiac.
Both Herron and Oostewal were wearing seat belts and both are listed in good condition today at Lakeview Hospital. Neither vehicle contained passengers.
Deputies said speed appeared to be a factor in the accident while alcohol was not.
The Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post, the Quick Response Team and Van Buren County EMS assisted the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department at the scene.
According to Sheriff Dale Gribler, at 4:05 p.m. Van Buren County Sheriff's Department deputies and additional emergency personnel responded to a report of a two-car personal-injury crash in the 64000 block of M-51 in Paw Paw Township. Emergency responders discovered both vehicles in a ditch on the roadway's west side of the road.
Both the truck and car had significant damage and the drivers were trapped inside both vehicles. The Paw Paw Fire Department was able to free the two and they were transported by ambulances to Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw.
The deputies' investigation revealed that Oliver Herron, 78, of Decatur had been driving a 1992 Dodge Dakota pickup truck northbound on M-51 when he lost control on the slippery pavement. The truck crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2006 Pontiac driven by Susan Oostewal, 44, of Dowagiac.
Both Herron and Oostewal were wearing seat belts and both are listed in good condition today at Lakeview Hospital. Neither vehicle contained passengers.
Deputies said speed appeared to be a factor in the accident while alcohol was not.
The Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post, the Quick Response Team and Van Buren County EMS assisted the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department at the scene.
