A late-night drive on a rural stretch of State Route 41 turned deadly Tuesday when a two-vehicle rollover crash near Shrine Road in German Township, Clark County, killed a passenger and injured five others. The wreck, which troopers say happened around 10:10 p.m., shut down the highway for hours as emergency crews from multiple agencies worked the scene and the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Springfield Post opened an investigation.
Ohio State Highway Patrol later identified the person killed as Pierre Georges, a passenger riding in the Kia. Troopers said the Kia was driven by 36-year-old Joel Monestime, while the Mazda was driven by 41-year-old Claudy Jean. Three other passengers, identified as Jacques Cherenfant, Estasilic Paul and Modlyn Auguste, were transported to a Springfield hospital with what were described as minor injuries, according to the Springfield News‑Sun.
Troopers say an improper pass triggered the crash
Investigators with OSHP said a 2014 Kia Soul was heading west on State Route 41 when the driver tried to pass a 2012 Mazda CX-9. According to the patrol, the Kia made an improper lane change and hit the front of the Mazda. The Mazda then struck a guardrail, and both vehicles came back onto the roadway before overturning. Troopers said both cars went off the road and rolled, leaving one passenger dead at the scene. The crash, reported around 10:10 p.m. Tuesday, remains under investigation, according to WHIO.
Injuries and response
Medics took both drivers and three additional passengers to Springfield Regional Medical Center, where most were listed with minor injuries, according to OSHP Lt. Shawn Cook. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office, German Township Fire and EMS and Rudd’s Towing all assisted troopers at the scene, per the Springfield News‑Sun.
Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Springfield Post continue to investigate and said they will release additional details as they become available, according to WHIO. State Route 41 has since reopened to traffic.
