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Related Story: Deadly crash shakes Ohio village
Related Story: Ohio ambulance crash kills 5
Related Story: Witnesses: Ohio ambulance ran stop sign, killing 5
ANTWERP, Ohio — Volunteer paramedics in the northwest Ohio town that lost three emergency medical technicians and two patients in a fiery crash are off duty for the rest of the week.
The mayor of Antwerp, Margaret Womack, says surrounding towns can cover for Antwerp while medics grieve and attend services on Thursday and Friday.
Police say ambulance driver Sammy Smith failed to cautiously enter a rural intersection where the emergency vehicle struck the side of semi Friday night, causing the fuel tanks to rupture and catch fire. The semi driver apparently did nothing wrong. He suffered minor injuries in the crash. A fourth EMS worker was taken to a Fort Wayne hospital.
The victims were identified as follows:
Sammy R. Smith, 64-years old, Antwerp, OH
Antwerp Emergency Medical Services
Heidi L. McDougall, 31-years old, Antwerp, OH
Antwerp Emergency Medical Services
Kelly J. Rager, 25-years old, Antwerp, OH
Antwerp Emergency Medical Services
Robert R. Wells, 64years old, Hicksville, OH
Armelda Wells, 60-years old, Hicksville, OH
The Wells were being transported to an area hospital after being involved in a crash on U.S. 24 earlier in the evening.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant Raymond Haas said it’s the worst crash he’s seen in 19 years. He says seeing the death of emergency responders, working to help their community is devastating.
Fire Chief Ray Friend says the town also needs to replace the ambulance that was destroyed in the crash.
He says the town’s second ambulance must be cleaned and checked for supplies before it can be used.
Funeral services for the Emergency Medical Workers killed in the crash will take place this Thursday and Friday. Calling will be Thursday at the Antwerp School from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Joint funeral services will be held Friday for Sammy Smith, Heidi McDougall and Kelly Rager at 1 p.m. also at the Antwerp School.
A memorial service has also been established for the families. Donations can be made to:
Antwerp Squad 41 Memorial Fund
c/o The Antwerp Exchange Bank
305 S. Main Street
PO Box 727
Antwerp, Ohio 45813