News Center 7 vehicle struck in Springfield; two taken to hospital

Jim Otte is helped out of a News Center 7 sports utility vehicle Friday morning. STAFF

Jim Otte is helped out of a News Center 7 sports utility vehicle Friday morning. STAFF

A News Center 7 vehicle and a second vehicle collided at North Limestone and North streets late Friday morning in downtown Springfield.

Late Friday afternoon, Springfield police Sgt. Matthew Buynak said the man driving the second vehicle was at fault in the crash.

The two WHIO employees in the SUV, I-Team reporter Jim Otte and photographer Jeff Guerini, were taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center. Otte was taken to the hospital via ambulance, while Guerini was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle.

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Otte said he is doing OK after the crash.

“So far so good,” Otte said. “Very impressed with Springfield medics who responded to our accident very quickly. I’ve covered hundreds of accidents. Finally, I’m the one going to the ER. Luckily I was wearing my seatbelt, the side airbag saved me.”

Our crews said the Jaws of Life were used to help Otte get out of the car. He was conscious and standing at the scene. Guerini was also conscious at the scene, which he photographed in the aftermath.

MORE: Fatality identified in Springfield crash at John Street

Police did not have the identity or the condition of the driver of the other vehicle immediately available, although our crews who witnessed the man said he appeared to be OK.

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