MERCER CO., Ohio (ADAMS) – One person is reportedly dead after a crash Thursday morning in northwestern Ohio. The Mercer County Sheriff says that his office received a 911 call at 6:49 a.m. The caller reported an injury accident involving a car and semi and that one of the vehicles was in a pond.
The Sheriff’s Office says an investigation found that 65-year-old Adil Sabanagic of Utica, New York, was driving his 2016 Volvo semi westbound on State Route 29 near Harris Road.
36-year-old Atsushi Tanaka of Sidney, Ohio was driving a 2021 Honda and was also westbound on St Rte 29. Sabanagic was slowing or stopped in traffic to turn South on Harris Road.
Police say that it appears that Sabanagic may have missed his turn and began backing up to make the turn when the trailer blocked part of the roadway. Tanaka struck the back of the trailer and the Honda went off of the northside of the roadway, down the ditch, through a fence, and came to rest submerged in a pond.
The Celina Fire Department dive team was called to assist in rescue efforts for Tanaka. Tanaka was pronounced deceased at the scene. Grey reports that there is a witness to the crash as well as a video of the crash that deputies are reviewing. At this time the crash remains under investigation.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by members of the Celina Fire Department, Celina EMS, Saint Mary’s EMS, Ohio State Patrol and the Mercer County EMA. Mercer County Coroner, Dr. Timothy Heinrichs was also notified of the crash and released the body to a local funeral home.
Grey advised that his deputies have been in contact with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and will be sending a copy of the report to their office once it is completed for review.
