Bellefontaine man dies in accident with train Saturday

Bellefontaine man dies in accident with train Saturday By Jill GoscheSenior Staff Writerjgosche@advertiser-tribune.comOLD FORT – A Bellefontaine man died in an accident with a train on SR 53 Saturday morning.According to a release from State Highway Patrol, David F. Haley, 59, of Bellefontaine, was driving a 2001 GMC Sierra, which was towing a boat and trailer, north on SR 53.Ren Williams 48, of Peru, Indiana, was operating a freight train west and crossing over SR 53.Haley failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead, the release states.The GMC Sierra struck the train and traveled off the left side of the roadThe boat and trailer came to rest in the road and was struck by another vehicle.The release states Francis S. Mckenzie, 59, of Bellefontaine, a passenger in Haley's vehicle, had fatal injuries and was transported to Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital by North Central EMS.Haley was taken to Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital by North Central EMS, and Williams was not hurt.Haley and Mckenzie were wearing seat belts, according to the release.Personnel from North Central EMS, Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department, Tiffin Fire Rescue Division, Norfolk Southern's police department, Seneca County Sheriff's Office and John's Welding & Towing assisted.The accident, which occurred about 6:40 a.m., was under investigation.