On Friday, just after noon, a tragic multi-vehicle crash happened on US 68 South, between Bellefontaine and West Liberty, leaving one dead and two others seriously injured.
According to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the accident began when a 2006 Honda Civic, driven by 48-year-old Deana Speakman of Bellefontaine, traveled left of center and collided with a 2014 Ford F-150, driven by 81-year-old Charles Emory of Springfield, who was heading northbound.
Following the initial collision, Speakman’s vehicle came to rest in the southbound lane.
Emory, after being struck, also veered left of center, crashing into a 2016 Ford F-150 driven by 58-year-old Michael Steveley of Springfield.
As a result of the impact, Steveley was forced off the roadway, coming to rest in a nearby ditch.
Speakman was trapped inside her vehicle for a short time and had to be extricated by emergency personnel.
Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries and was later pronounced dead.
Authorities reported that Speakman was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
She was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital by Mac-o-Chee EMS.
Both Emory and Steveley sustained suspected serious injuries and were transported to Mary Rutan Hospital for medical treatment.
Emory was taken by Bellefontaine EMS, while Steveley was transported by Tri-Valley EMS.
All three vehicles involved in the crash were towed from the scene, and the roadway was temporarily closed to allow emergency crews to work and clear the wreckage.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, and the Logan County Sheriff’s Office continues to examine the details.
