Local News
50-Year-Old Heather Blair Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash in Crawford County
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ohio — Authorities have identified Heather Blair, 50, of Mansfield, as the victim killed in a three-vehicle crash Saturday morning along U.S. Route 30 east of Ohio 598, according to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
The collision occurred shortly before 11:09 a.m., involving a 2015 Dodge Caravan, a 2002 Hyundai Tucson, and a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia tractor-trailer.
Investigators say the incident began when the Hyundai, driven by James Stevens, 74, of Akron, attempted to pass the semi-truck operated by Mahamud S. Ali, 29, of Columbus.
During the maneuver, Stevens reportedly lost control of the vehicle, veering into the outer westbound lane before coming to rest along the shoulder facing east.
Authorities stated the semi-truck driver observed the loss of control and slowed rapidly to avoid a collision.
Moments later, the Dodge Caravan, driven by Jeremy Hollar, 41, of Mansfield, collided with the left rear of the semi-truck, causing significant damage.
The Caravan came to rest partially in the roadway, facing north.
Heather Blair, a passenger in the Caravan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional passengers in the Caravan — David Thompson, 54, of Ashland, and Blake McWilliams, 31, of Mansfield — sustained serious injuries and were transported to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Their current conditions have not been released.
The driver, Jeremy Hollar, was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
Two juvenile passengers in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and were transported for evaluation.
Authorities confirmed that the drivers of the Hyundai and the semi-truck, as well as a passenger in the Hyundai, were not injured.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Galion Fire Department, Crestline Fire Department, Jefferson Township Fire Department, the Crawford County Coroner’s Office, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, including its Motor Carrier Enforcement Unit.
The damaged Caravan was removed by Ronk’s Towing, while the other vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.
The crash remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine all contributing factors.
No additional details have been released at this time.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.