BATAVIA, Ohio — A woman and an infant child were killed in a crash in Clermont County on Sunday, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Troopers said two vehicles were involved in the crash that happened in the 3900 block of Ohio State Route 222.
In a news release, the Batavia Post of the highway patrol reported that a 2007 Honda Civic was traveling south when it crossed the center line and struck a 2020 Ford Fusion that was traveling north at about 4:44 p.m.
Maria Rodriguez, who was a passenger in the Civic, and an infant passenger were both pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release.
Troopers said an additional passenger in the vehicle was transported to University of Cincinnati Hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Civic was taken to Anderson Mercy Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The driver of the Fusion was transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital with minor injuries.
State Route 222 was closed between Elklick Road and Mount Holly Road for several hours on Sunday while troopers investigated the crash. No charges have been filed.
Neighbors in the area of the crash say the road is dangerous. It's a sharp curve that has a speed limit of 25 miles per hour that's coming off of a 55 miles per hour zone. There's not enough time to react, neighbors said.
"Just last week I said to ODOT, 'what is it going to take? A death?' And it happened," said Dave Owens, who lives in the area of the crash.
Cathy Berchtold was sitting on her back patio when she and her sister heard tires screeching. They called 911 to report the crash that killed Rodriguez and an infant and ran over to help before the ambulance arrived.
"My sister did CPR on the infant on the street, so I put a towel on the baby's head. She was probably 4 or 5 months old," Berchtold said.
Cathy said her and her neighbors feel helpless.
"(There is) not enough notice of the dangerous curve ahead," Berchtold said.
After Sunday's fatal crash, she purchased yellow signs to put in front of her home, hoping it will slow drivers down.
ODOT was closed Monday due to the holiday and unable to comment on the dangers of the roadway.
"Last thing that (ODOT) said was they're looking into it, so hopefully they do," Owens said.
