SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Six people were injured in a head-on crash involving three vehicles around 8:39 p.m. Thursday on Lakeview Drive between Winton Road and Carlsbad Road in Winton Woods Park.
Jaron C. Pez, 22, was flown by helicopter to University of Cincinnati Medical Center with serious injuries. The others involved suffered just minor injuries.
Pez was driving a 2001 Toyota Corolla southbound on Lakeview Drive with a 17-year-old in the front seat and 18-year-old Aaron Blanks and 19-year-old Nathinel Virtell seated in the back seats, police say.
As Pez was negotiating a right-bound curve, his vehicle crossed the center dividing line and struck a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu being driven northbound by John R. Younger, 36, in an offset head-on manner. Police say as Younger's car began rotating counterclockwise off the east side of the roadway, Pez's car also rotated counterclockwise, striking Younger's vehicle a second time in its driver's side door.
That's when the third vehicle, a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe being driven north by Chenika N. Freeman, 34, got involved. Freeman was unable to avoid Pez's vehicle, striking it. Pez's vehicle was then propelled forward and came to rest across both lanes of Lakeview Drive.
The Winton Woods, Springfield Township, Forest Park and Springdale fire departments all responded to the scene. Pez was the only vehicle occupant who was mechanically extricated from the involved vehicles. Younger, Freeman and the occupants of Pez's vehicle were all able to exit the vehicles on their own. Younger and the occupants of Pez's car were transported to area hospitals where they are all listed in stable condition. Freeman was uninjured.
All of the involved occupants and drivers were wearing their safety belts with the exception of Younger.
Alcohol and drugs are not believed to have contributed to the crash. Speed on the part of Pez is believed to have contributed to the crash. The crash remains under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Traffic Safety Unit.
