An early-morning commute turned deadly Tuesday when a head-on collision on U.S. 42 between Fern Drive and London Road in Delaware, Ohio, left one driver dead and another injured, according to police.
Officers say the crash happened around 5:20 a.m. and involved a southbound Honda Odyssey and a northbound Kia Sportage. The driver of the Honda Odyssey was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Kia Sportage was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, as reported by WSYX. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved.
US 42 Has Seen Repairs And Safety Work
U.S. 42 in this stretch has already been on the officials’ radar. In recent seasons, the route has seen repairs and temporary lane closures, including work near Fern Drive that sent northbound traffic onto detours. 1808Delaware previously detailed those closures.
Regional planning documents list intersection improvements at SR 37 and US 42 as a priority because of crash frequency. MORPC meeting materials outline projects aimed at widening approaches and upgrading signals at those crossings.
Reopening And Investigation
Officials shut down the roadway for roughly four hours following the crash. It was reopened around 9:25 a.m., and investigators told WSYX that drugs and alcohol are not suspected as contributing factors.
The Delaware Police Department’s accident reconstruction team is leading the on-scene investigation to determine what caused the collision. The team remains at work as investigators continue to collect evidence and conduct interviews.
Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Delaware Police Department. No charges or citations have been announced at this time.
