Loudonville, Ohio Man Killed in Church Bus Crash

Rickie Bilger, 71, of Loudonville, was killed in a two-vehicle crash involving a church bus and passenger car on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. The accident occurred on State Route 39 near Township Road 749 at approximately 6:15 p.m. in Green Township.

Bilger was traveling southbound in a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. At the same time, David Switzer, 68, of Loudonville, was traveling northbound on a 2011 Thomas Built Church bus when both vehicles collided in the middle of both travel lanes.

The church bus was sent into a ditch before coming to a rest.

Following the crash, Bilger was transported by the Perrysville Fire Department to OhioHealth Mansfield, where he was pronounced deceased as a result of the crash.

According to authorities, there were four passengers on the bus, and one occupant was taken to Wooster Community Hospital by Loudonville Fire Department.

State Route 39 was closed for approximately two hours while the vehicles were recovered, and the crash was investigated. The crash remains under investigation at this time.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported Bilger was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

For your safety, a seat belt should always be worn when traveling in a car.

Those injured in the wreck may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Personal injury claims and wrongful death claims are likely to result from the accident. Contact a local personal injury attorney to discuss your options.

Attorney Geoff Jones is an Ohio personal injury attorney. He handles truck accident injury cases, serious motor vehicle accident injury cases, and wrongful death cases throughout the state. Work with a Columbus car accident lawyer from The Jones Firm for a free case review.

Contact us today.