Chillicothe, OH — On August 21, 2024, Ross County experienced significant traffic disruptions following two separate injury crashes on US 23. The incidents occurred within a short span of time, causing extensive delays and requiring multiple emergency responses.
The first crash was reported at 12:30 P.M. at the intersection of US 23 and Maple Lane. Kimberly Collura, 68, from Pickerington, was driving a 2017 Dodge Charger northbound on US 23 when she attempted a left turn onto Maple Lane. At that moment, her vehicle was struck by a southbound 2010 Ford Escape driven by Dominik Littlejohn, 20, of Chillicothe.
Littlejohn’s vehicle carried three passengers: Taylor Coyle, 21, also of Chillicothe, and three juveniles. All were taken to Adena Regional Medical Center, with two of the juveniles later transferred to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Collura was airlifted to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center by MedFlight. Emergency responders from the Ross County Sheriff’s Department, Scioto Township Fire and EMS, Green Township EMS, Huntington Township EMS, VA Fire Department, and the Ohio Department of Transportation assisted at the scene. Traffic in both directions on US 23 was restricted during the investigation.
A second crash occurred shortly after, at 12:55 P.M., in the southbound lanes of US 23 near Three Locks Road. Charles Johnson, 34, of Groveport, was driving a 2021 International semi and had stopped for traffic related to the earlier crash when his vehicle was rear-ended by a 2020 Ford F-150 driven by Samuel Beeler, 58, of Chillicothe.
Beeler was airlifted to Grant Medical Center by MedFlight, while his passenger was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. Johnson reported no injuries. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, along with Scioto Township Fire and EMS, VA Fire and EMS, MedFlight, and the Ohio Department of Transportation, managed the scene. Southbound traffic was restricted during the investigation.
Both crashes remain under investigation as authorities work to determine the causes and ensure the safety of all involved.
