DARKE COUNTY, Ohio — Three people were killed Friday morning in a fiery three-vehicle crash on Ohio 49 near Pitsburg-Laura Road, authorities said. The incident closed the highway for roughly five hours as emergency crews responded and investigated.
At 7:21 a.m., a 911 caller reported a vehicle fire and possible crash in the 2400 block of Ohio 49. Deputies from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find a cargo van, a Spirit EMS medical transport bus, and a Dodge sedan involved in the collision, with two of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames.
Investigators said a cargo van pulling a trailer was traveling north when it crossed the centerline and collided with the southbound medical transport bus. The van then struck a 2013 Dodge sedan, igniting both vehicles.
Two men in the cargo van were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities are pending release by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
The driver of the Spirit EMS bus, 63-year-old Chris Bemis of St. Marys, was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency crews. He was airlifted by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Spirit EMS President and CEO Brian K. Hathaway expressed condolences, saying, “Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone involved in this terrible tragedy. We are devastated by the loss of our teammate and deeply saddened for the other families who are grieving today.”
The Dodge driver escaped the vehicle and was treated on the scene for minor injuries. A 12-year-old passenger and a 62-year-old aide on the medical transport bus were taken to Wayne Healthcare with non-life-threatening injuries.
Miami Valley Career Technology Center confirmed that a student from their district was among the victims. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts go out to the student’s family, friends and loved ones,” the district said in a statement. “Grief counselors and support services are available to students and staff who have been affected, and we will continue to provide support as long as needed.”
Hathaway added that clergy had been brought to the Spirit EMS station to support employees. “In moments like this, we rely on one another. Our team is strong, and we will walk through the loss of our teammate together,” he said.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and additional details, including the identities of the deceased cargo van passengers, will be released pending official confirmation.
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