MORRIS TOWNSHIP -- A Howard man was killed and an Illinois man injured after a two-vehicle crash Friday morning on Ohio 13 in Knox County, according to the Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Jason W. Auck, 45, of Howard, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Jeffery Eckley, 56, of Paxton, Illinois, was transported to Knox Community Hospital and treated for minor injuries, the Patrol reported.
The incident took place at approximately 7:40 a.m. on Ohio 13 near Green Valley Road, in Morris Township.
According to the Patrol, Eckley was operating a white 2012 Perterbilt tractor trailer southbound on Ohio 13. Auck was operating a 2006 Toyota Scion XA northbound on Ohio 13 when his vehicle crossed over the center line and was struck by Eckley's tractor trailer.
Eckley’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway where it struck a ditch and a utility pole. Auck’s vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway striking a ditch before overturning.
Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. Alcohol use is not a suspected factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Fire/EMS and Fredericktown Fire and EMS.
