Darke County, OH – A multi-vehicle crash on State Route 49 in Darke County on Friday, Jan. 16, claimed the lives of three people and left several others injured, authorities said. Emergency crews responded to the scene after reports of a collision involving multiple vehicles and a fire.
Crash Overview
The crash occurred on the 2400 block of State Route 49, near the intersections of Pitsburg-Laura and Oakes Roads. According to Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker, a full-size cargo van pulling a trailer crossed the centerline while traveling north and struck a southbound 2023 Chevrolet Spirit Medical transport bus, driven by Chris Bemis, 63, of St. Mary’s.
The bus carried a juvenile passenger and an aide, Bonnie Behee, 62, of New Madison. Following the collision with the bus, the cargo van continued north and struck a 2013 Dodge sedan driven by 18-year-old Kenadie Hensley of Arcanum, authorities said. Both the cargo van and the sedan caught fire.
“I’ve been on many of these in my 30 years in law enforcement, but I still struggle. I can’t possibly imagine the tragedy and broken hearts that are happening here in our community today,” Sheriff Whittaker said.
Victims and Injuries
The two male occupants of the cargo van died at the scene. Bemis, the bus driver, later succumbed to his injuries at Miami Valley Hospital. Hensley escaped her vehicle and was treated at the scene by EMS. Behee and the juvenile passenger were transported to Wayne Healthcare with non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency Response
Emergency responders from Arcanum Fire, Arcanum Rescue, Pitsburg Fire, Darke County Sheriff’s deputies, and Arcanum Police Department were dispatched. Additional support came from the City of Greenville Fire Department, Greenville Township EMS, and CareFlight. The highway was closed for approximately five hours while authorities investigated the scene.
Brian Hathaway, President and CEO of Spirit EMS, said: “Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone in this terrible tragedy. We are devastated by the loss of our teammate and deeply saddened for the other families who are grieving today.”
Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances leading to the cargo van crossing the centerline and the resulting chain-reaction crash. Officials also examined the role of fire and other factors in the severity of the collision.
Conclusion
The fatal crash on State Route 49 highlights the dangers of road safety, particularly on busy highways. Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant, especially when driving near large vehicles and transport services, and to exercise caution to prevent such tragic incidents.
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