John L. Orahood, 80, of West Mansfield, was transported by Tri-Valley EMS to Mary Rutan Hospital for treatment of non-incapacitating following a four-vehicle chain reaction crash about 6:45 p.m. Christmas Day.
Deputies report all four vehicles were westbound in the left lane of U.S. Route 33 just east of County Road 10 and traffic was stopped because of a vehicle fire.
Mr. Orahood reportedly was operating a sport utility vehicle that went off the left side of the roadway and sideswiped a side mirror of a vehicle operated by John A. Taulbee, 64, of Belle Center, that had slowed in traffic.
The Orahood SUV then went back onto the road and the rear of his vehicle struck a car operated by Benjamin J. Bohman, 17, of New Albany. The impact of that crash pushed the Bohman car into a vehicle in front of him operated by Scott E. Leland, 52, of Lima.
No other injuries were reported. Damage was heavy to the Orahood and Bohman vehicles, and light to the Leland and Taulbee vehicles.
Mr. Orahood was cited for failure to maintain assured clear distance ahead. Each of the drivers was wearing a seat belt.
Troopers of the Marysville Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted with traffic control at the scene.