Three-Vehicle Accident on 95 Due to Unsafe Passing

Jun. 12, 2012 - By Josh Berridge - 0 Comments

Troopers from the Marion Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a three-car injury crash that occurred on Saturday, June 9th, 2012 at approximately 1:49pm on SR 95 near Salem Road in Marion County.

The crash involved a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 truck driven by Philip McChesney, 52 years old of Cardington, OH, a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze driven by Darin LaRue, 23 years old of Marion, OH, and a 1997 Dodge Dakota truck driven by Michael Hartman, 19 years old of Marion, OH. All vehicles were eastbound on SR 95.

Mr. Hartman began to overtake the vehicle driven by Mr. LaRue. While in the process of Hartman's vehicle overtaking LaRue's vehicle, LaRue attempted to overtake the McChesney vehicle. The vehicles were three abreast when Hartman drove off the north side of the road, lost control of his vehicle, and struck LaRue's vehicle. LaRue's vehicle then struck the McChesney vehicle.

All three vehicles drove off the south side of the road. McChesney's vehicle struck the ditch, overturned, and came to rest in a field. LaRue's vehicle struck the ditch and came to final rest. Hartman's vehicle continued further east before striking the ditch, overturning, and coming to final rest on its top.

Hartman was transported by Morrow County EMS to Morrow County Hospital. He was later transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. McChesney was transported by First Consolidated Fire Department to Marion General Hospital where he was treated and released.

LaRue declined treatment and transport at scene. Joseph Lewis was a passenger in LaRue's vehicle. He was transported to Marion General Hospital by Marion Township Fire Department. Mr. Lewis was treated and released.

Tiffany Wilson, also a passenger in the LaRue vehicle, declined treatment and transport at the scene. Darin LaRue was issued a citation for failure to ensure safety prior to moving and for failure to wear his safety belt.

Witnesses on the scene told TV-22 that the two cars involved might have been drag racing at the time of the accident. That has not been confirmed at this time. The crash remains under investigation.