Two residents of Springfield have been tragically killed following an accident in Champagne County on March 27, according to local sources. The local sheriff’s office, as well as Ohio authorities, responded to the two-car crash that claimed the lives of a driver and passenger, while another driver was injured in the accident. As with many car accidents, this crash remains under the investigation of authorities in Champagne County.
According to the investigation, around 7:40 a.m., a southbound pickup truck driven by an unidentified person crossed the center line of Urbana-Moorefield Road for unknown reasons. This caused a head-on crash with another vehicle, driven by a 20-year-old woman and carrying a 22-year-old male passenger. The force of the impact caused the deaths of both of these individuals.
The driver of the pickup truck was taken to a local hospital with injuries that have not been made public at this time. Police say they are still investigating the crash and that no charges have yet been filed. They are not ruling out recklessness, negligence or intoxication at this time.
The surviving driver may yet face criminal charges for his or her role in this tragic accident. Car accidents that claim lives are often prosecuted criminally, but even if no charges are filed, Ohio state law allows the families of the deceased legal recourse. If they so choose, they may file wrongful death lawsuits against the driver in civil court. Such suits can make use of evidence gathered by police to support their claims.
