CYGNET -- A wrong way driver who reportedly fled from the scene of a crash on Monday night has been hospitalized after authorities found him this morning.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 40-year-old Gregory Orick of Lima entered the wrong way on I-75 from State Route 25 around 11:35 p.m. Orick traveled southbound in the northbound lanes when he stuck another vehicle driven by 53-year-old Michael Fox of Dayton.
Fox's vehicle then traveled off the left side of the roadway and caught fire. According to the highway patrol news release, Orick then exited his vehicle and fled into a tree line east of the interstate. He was found around 9:30 a.m.
Lt. Dean Laubacher of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said authorities are now questioning Orick, but he has not been arrested or charged.
Fox was transported to an area hospital for smoke inhalation. Orick's vehicle sustained heavy damage and was towed from the scene. Fox's vehicle was completely engulfed and was a total loss.
I-75 was closed in both directions for approximately five hours. Alcohol is believed to have played a role in the crash.
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