DELAWARE, Ohio (WSYX) — A head-on collision on US 23 claimed the lives of two women on Tuesday evening, mourned by their northwest Ohio communities.
The crash occurred around 8:32 p.m., just north of State Route 750. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 64-year-old man from Mount Cory was driving a Toyota Venza northbound in the left lane when a 52-year-old woman from Columbus, driving a Dodge Ram, veered left of center, colliding head-on with the Venza. The impact also involved a Honda Accord driven by a 38-year-old man from Lewis Center, causing all three vehicles to catch fire.
Passengers in the Mount Cory vehicle included Carol Waldman, 64, and Amanda Reidling, 52, both of whom died at the scene. The 38-year-old man from Lewis Center and another passenger were transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital with serious injuries.
Authorities reported that an 8-year-old passenger in the Lewis Center man's vehicle sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization. All individuals involved were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. The driver from Columbus sustained serious injuries and was also taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital for treatment.
“We as a school family have heavy hearts,” said Bruce Otley, superintendent of Liberty-Benton Local Schools, referring to Waldman, a retired school teacher. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.