Trish Bennett, Editor
SOUTH BLOOMFIELD – A local woman escaped without serious injury after a fiery crash Monday on U.S. Route 23.
Christina Paley, 53, of South Bloomfield, was traveling southbound on U.S. Route 23 in a Chevrolet Suburban when her brakes reportedly failed as she approached the Northup Avenue intersection, according to Chief Kendall McCoy, South Bloomfield Police Department.
McCoy said Paley reported she swerved several times attempting to avoid a crash, but her vehicle struck two other vehicles near the intersection before continuing southbound on the highway.
McCoy said Paley’s vehicle ran along the ditch line for more than 1,800 feet before it struck a tree in front of the Bloomfield Hills subdivision and came to rest after impact with a second tree.
An unnamed passerby helped Paley out of the wreckage just moments before the vehicle erupted in flames, McCoy said.
“She was very, very lucky,” McCoy said.
Paley was transported by the Harrison Township Fire Department to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where she was expected to remain at least overnight, he said.
No injuries were reported by the drivers of the two vehicles struck in the intersection.
McCoy said the passerby who assisted at the scene was identified but was headed out of town for several days at the time of the crash. He said the victim and her family have requested to make contact to thank him upon his return.
South Bloomfield officers were assisted at the scene by the Harrison Township Fire Department, Scioto Township Fire Department, Ashville Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The crash remains under investigation, he said.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
