Marion – Troopers from the Marion Post are investigating a serious injury crash that occurred on US 23 SB in Pleasant Township, Marion County at approximately 3:48 PM on September 22, 2020.
A 1998 Ford Crown Victoria, driven by Justin Walter, age 34, of Marion, Ohio, struck a 2015 Chevrolet pickup truck and trailer, driven by Krista Cole, age 38, of Mansfield, Ohio. Preliminary investigation indicated that Mr. Walter was traveling southbound on US 23.Ms. Cole was traveling northbound on US 23 in the right lane of US 23 southbound in a construction zone. Ms. Cole and crew were picking up construction cones while displaying overhead flashing lights in the closed right lane. Mr. Walter drove into the closed right lane and struck the construction truck head on.
Mr. Walter had four occupants at the time of the crash, Megan M. Spencer, age 27, Christopher L. Nelson, age 31, Summer C. J. Collins, age 20 and an infant child.
Mr. Walter was transported by First Consolidated F.D. to Marion General Hospital, then by Med Flight to Grant Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Ms. Spencer and Ms. Collins were airlifted from the scene to Grant Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Nelson was airlifted from the scene to OSU Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
Mr. Nelson and Ms. Collins were not wearing seat belts at the time of crash.
Ms. Cole had one passenger in the trailer, Amber R. Cosier, age 24. Ms. Cole sustained minor injuries. Ms. Cosier did not sustain any injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation, Marion Township Fire Department, Fort Morrow Fire Department, 1st Consolidated EMS, Pleasant Township EMS, Marion City EMS, Mike’s Fredericktown Towing and recovery and Ed’s Towing.
This crash remains under investigation.