Troopers investigate 5-vehicle crash in Ashland County

JACKSON TWP., Ashland County   Troopers are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on US 42 at the intersection of State Route 89 in Ashland County. The crash occurred at about 6:49 p.m. June 22 and involved five vehicles, according to a news release from Ohio Highway Patrol.

A 2013 Honda CR-V was southbound on SR 89 when it failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of US 42. A 2015 Chevrolet Trax was north-eastbound on US 42 when it was struck by the Honda CR-V. Meanwhile, a 1987 Honda CMX250C motorcycle , a 2007 Honda CMX250C/Rebel motorcycle, and a 2008 Suzuki SX4 were all stopped at the stop sign on SR 89 facing northbound at the intersection of US 42. After the collision, both the
Honda CR-V and the Chevy Trax struck the Honda motorcycles and the Suzuki SX4.

The driver of the 2013 Honda CR-V, Christine R. Smith, 70, of Wellington, Ohio, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center. The driver of the 2015 Chevy Trax, Kimberly D. Willis, 44 of Ashland, sustained serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Drivers of the Honda motorcycles and Suzuki SX4 from West Salem and Jeromesville sustained minor injuries and were taken to an area hospital.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the crash scene by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Nankin/Orange Township Fire & EMS, Polk Township Fire & EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Alcohol and drugs are not considered to be factors and the crash is still currently under investigation.