In Ohio, Triple Fatality Crash Investigation

Columbus – One week after the triple-fatality crash in Gallia County that claimed the lives of two Patrol officers, and a Gallia County woman, the Ohio State Highway Patrol released additional information from the in-depth crash investigation.

Investigators have determined the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor patrol car, being driven by Tpr. Joshua P. Risner, with Sgt. Dale R. Holcomb riding as a passenger, was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Jackson Pike, with its emergency lights and siren activated. The vehicle lost control, spun into the westbound lane, and struck the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, being driven by Lori Smith. The collision occurred in the westbound lane of Jackson Pike, just west of Mitchell Road. All three individuals were killed in the crash, which occurred at approximately 5:50 a.m. on Sept. 28.

The impact and damage to both vehicles is being described by investigators as massive. There was heavy front-end damage to the Chevrolet Silverado, and heavy back-end damage to the Patrol cruiser. A resulting fire from the crash significantly burned both vehicles. Based upon physical evidence and witnesses who saw the crash scene following the collision, the fire is believed to have spread from the Patrol car to the pick-up truck. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion following the sound of a collision. Due to heavy rain and wet road conditions at the time of the crash, investigators have been limited by a lack of tire marks on the road.

Earlier this week, nationally renowned crash reconstruction and engineering experts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, joined by crash reconstruction experts from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ford Motor Company, New York State Police, Missouri Highway Patrol, and State Fire Marshall’s Division undertook an in-depth examination of the vehicles involved. Investigators meticulously analyzed both vehicles and examined engineering and performance aspects of both vehicles from the collision.