GROVER HILL, Ohio (WOWO): The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on State Route 114 near the village of Grover Hill in Paulding County.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. Friday, 63-year-old William Bates of Grover Hill was driving east on State Route 114 near mile post 8 when his pickup truck collided head on with a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Kyle Childs of Payne. Child’s vehicle was westbound on State Route 114 and determined to have driven left of center and struck Bates’ vehicle. Bates was pronounced dead at the scene. Childs was transported to Paulding County Hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The crash resulted in a brief closure of State Route 114 east of Grover Hill. The roadway has since been reopened.

Childs was wearing a seat belt, but evidence suggests that Bates was not. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Charges in the incident are pending. The crash remains under investigation.