Charles Oliver Jr. dies in fatal Monroe Township car crash
Fatal Monroe Township car crash death of Charles Oliver Jr.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported a tragic three-vehicle collision on state Route 151, occurring precisely at 3:27 p.m. on June 27 in Monroe Township, Harrison County. This accident proved fatal for Charles Oliver Jr., a 55-year-old man originally from Canton, who was serving as a passenger in a Chevrolet Suburban.
According to the Steubenville patrol post, a westbound GMC Yukon XL, piloted by 25-year-old Carolyn Sanderlin of Minerva, was hauling a utility trailer and was being closely followed by the Chevrolet Suburban, driven by 38-year-old Randy Reed Jr. from Minerva. The Yukon’s driver lost control, veering across the centerline and departing the roadway onto its left side.
In an attempt to avoid the erratically moving Yukon, an eastbound Peterbuilt semi-truck, operated by 46-year-old Thomas Kirkland from Marion Center, Pennsylvania, altered its path. This maneuver resulted in the semi colliding with the side of the Yukon’s trailer. The powerful impact subsequently caused the massive semi-truck to burst into flames and be consumed by fire.
The collision also involved the Chevrolet Suburban, which was directly struck by the blazing semi. Fortunately, preliminary reports from the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicated that all occupants were wearing seat belts during the incident. However, the news release did not clarify the status of injuries among the other individuals involved in the accident, and the patrol office was unresponsive for further details.
This devastating crash, situated approximately two miles west of Bowerston, is currently being examined by authorities. In response to the extensive damage inflicted on the pavement by the accident and the ensuing fire, the Ohio Department of Transportation has closed Route 151 indefinitely between U.S. Route 250 and Bowerston. Extensive repairs will be necessary before the road can be reopened.
