Merriam, IN (Noble County)-A 20 year old man from Fort Wayne was injured and hospitalized this morning following a two vehicle crash on US 33 near the intersection with County Road 50 W in southern Noble County.

According to Trooper Justin Snyder, at approximately 8:40 am, a 2002 Ford four-door driven by Austin C. Erler, 20, from Fort Wayne was traveling southbound on US 33 near County Road 50 W.  Erler’s vehicle went left of center and struck a northbound 2003 Ford van driven by Robert W. Morse, 42, from Fort Wayne.  Erler’s vehicle incurred extensive damage and was deemed a total loss and Morse’s van incurred an estimated $10,000 in damage.

Erler, who was believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, was taken to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne with a fractured right lower leg.  He was also cited for driving left of center.  Morse was not injured and did not require medical attention.