Driver in critical condition following Oberlin Avenue crash Monday

The driver of a pickup involved in a serious crash on Oberlin Avenue in Lorain on Monday was listed in critical condition in the hospital as of Tuesday, according to Lorain police. Lorain police also said 41-year-old Angel Alvarez of East 28th Street was at fault in the crash that happened just before 2 p.m. Monday in the 1500 block of Oberlin Avenue. Alvarez was driving a 2008 Ford F-150 south on Oberlin Avenue near West 15th Street when he lost control after crossing a set of railroad tracks, slid off the road and hit a tree in front of 1544 Oberlin Ave, according to a crash report. Alvarez had to be cut out of the truck and was taken to Mercy Health Hospital in Lorain by LifeCare, according to the crash report. Alcohol and other drug use are suspected, according to the crash report, and a blood sample was taken for testing. The crash remains under investigation, Lorain police Lt. Larry Swanger said Tuesday. The Lorain Police Department Traffic Division will determine if charges are filed against Alvarez, according to the crash report. Witnesses told emergency dispatchers the truck went over the railroad tracks on Oberlin Avenue at West 14th Street at an estimated 60 mph. The posted speed limit in the area is 25 mph. One passing motorist told dispatchers the truck passed her before the tracks and was "catching air" before it hit the tree.