UPDATE @ 4:40 p.m.: A three-vehicle chain-reaction rear-end collision involving a semitrailer sent a Kentucky woman to a hospital.
Preliminary investigation revealed the three vehicles were traveling south on U.S. 127 when a black 2000 Volvo tractor-trailer driven by 18-year-old Malcom Darrell Benedict of Eldorado rear-ended a silver 2017 Toyota Camry driven by Deborah Kaye Hopkins, 67, of Butler, Kentucky, which had slowed down for the car in front of her, according to a release from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.
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The Toyota then struck a green 2001 Buick LeSabre driven by Mary L. Ray, 79, of Ithaca, Ohio, who slowed to make a left-hand burn onto Ohio 503, deputies said.
Hopkins was flown to Miami Valley Hospital, where she was listed in fair condition as of 4:30 p.m.
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Benedict, Ray and Ray’s front-seat passenger were not injured, and the crash remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office.
UPDATE @ 3:01 p.m.: U.S. 127 at state Route 503 has been reopened following the three-vehicle chain-reaction, rear-end collision involving a semitrailer and two passenger vehicles.
The roadways were closed about 90 minutes because of the accident, Darke County Sheriff’s deputy Ronald Bisner said.
INITIAL REPORT
U.S. 127 is shut down near New Madison for a multi-vehicle accident involving two cars and a semitrailer.
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According to Darke County Sheriff’s deputy Ronald Bisner, the driver of the semi has been cited for the accident and was reportedly not aware that a silver Toyota in front of him had stopped.
The semi hit and pushed the Toyota into a Buick, that was attempting to turn.
The driver of the Toyota was taken to Wayne Healthcare by ground ambulance and then taken to Miami Valley Hospital by medical helicopter.
The driver of the semi and Buick were not injured.
We will continue to update this story as we obtain details.