In a tragic turn of events, two individuals, including a 3-year-old child, have been confirmed dead following an SUV crash into a West Jefferson pond. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported last night that, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a 2016 Jeep Cherokee veered off US Route 40 and into a nearby pond. A witness described the vehicle transitioning slowly from the left to the right lane before departing the roadway, as reported by NBC4i.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified the deceased adults as 27-year-old Kelita Alfred, of Columbus, and an unnamed 3-year-old child. Despite resuscitation efforts, both victims were later pronounced dead at a local hospital, as stated by Lt. Merrill Thompson to WHIO. Efforts to quickly rescue the vehicle's occupants were made, with some individuals being able to exit the SUV before it was fully submerged safely.
According to officials, three other individuals were involved in the crash, including another child, aged 5, who was transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The remaining two adults reportedly did not suffer injuries in the accident, as 10TV confirms.
Multiple agencies, including the West Jefferson Police Department, Jefferson Township EMS, and Prairie EMS, responded to the emergency.
