Two Killed in Tragic Three-Vehicle Crash on US 23 Near Delaware, Ohio
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A devastating three-vehicle collision on US 23 near Delaware, Ohio, claimed the lives of two individuals Wednesday evening and left several others injured. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred around 8:32 p.m. just north of State Route 750.
Collision Details and Fatalities
According to authorities, Paul Waldman, 64, of Mount Cory, Ohio, was operating a Toyota Venza traveling northbound when the crash unfolded. A Dodge Ram, driven by Kristina Alexander, 52, of Columbus, reportedly crossed the center line and collided head-on with Waldman’s vehicle. The impact then caused Alexander’s vehicle to strike a Honda Accord driven by Pradeep Challagulla, 38, of Lewis Center. Both the Dodge Ram and the Honda Accord subsequently caught fire.
Tragically, two passengers in Waldman’s vehicle – Carol Waldman, 64, also of Mount Cory, and Amanda Reidling, 52, of Arcadia – sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Both women were seated on the right side of the Toyota Venza.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
In addition to the fatalities, several individuals suffered injuries in the crash. Paul Waldman and Joe Reidling, 56, of Arcadia, who was also a passenger in the Venza, were transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital with serious injuries.
An 8-year-old passenger traveling with Challagulla sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization. Both the child and Challagulla were confirmed to be wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. Kristina Alexander, the driver of the Dodge Ram, also suffered serious injuries and was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital for treatment.
Seatbelt Use and Ongoing Investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has indicated that it remains unknown whether seatbelts were in use by the occupants of Waldman’s and Alexander’s vehicles at the time of the crash. This information is a critical component of the ongoing investigation.
The patrol is actively working to determine the factors that led to Alexander’s vehicle crossing the center line, initiating this tragic chain of events. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
