DEARBORN COUNTY, Ind. — Two are dead, and two more are in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a head-on crash with a big rig in Indiana in the overnight hours Sunday morning.
According to a release from the Indiana State Police (ISP), troopers from the agency’s post in Versailles, Ind. began investigating a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 52 in northern Dearborn County, Indiana that claimed the lives of two Ohio residents and sent three others to area hospitals for treatment of injuries.
ISP said its initial investigation conducted by its Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that a 2020 Honda Civic, being driven by Kelis Manuel, 22, Fairfield, Ohio, was traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 52, just west of State Road 46.
In a no-passing zone, police say Manuel attempted to pass a 2006 Dodge Ram, pulling a utility trailer. Manuel’s vehicle collided head-on with a 2021 Volvo semi truck and trailer, which was driven by Jimmy Davis, 49, Cincinnati, Ohio, who was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 52.
Davis’ semi truck came to rest in the middle of that highway, according to ISP.
Manuel’s vehicle left the south side of the roadway and came to rest.
Davis was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Manuel and an unidentified rear passenger in her vehicle were transported to Cincinnati area hospitals for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
A front-seat passenger in Kelis Manuel’s vehicle, identified as Kimora Manuel, 21, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a rear-seat passenger, Le’Marea Holmes, 22, of Cincinnati, Ohio, both lost their lives in the crash. They were both pronounced deceased on the scene by the Dearborn County Coroner’s Office.
Police say alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. Toxicology tests are pending. Heavy rain in the area at the time may also have been a contributing factor, ISP stated.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
