HOWARD — Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on U.S. 36, about a half-mile east of U.S. 62, Thursday evening.
A 2003 Peterbuilt tractor, driven by Duane Gerken, 53, of Youngstown, was traveling eastbound on U.S. 36 when Gerken lost control in a curve. Gerken attempted to avoid a collision with an oncoming 2005 Kia Sorento driven by Barbara Beckett, 52, of Howard, causing the load to shift and the truck to overturn on Beckett’s vehicle, fatally injuring Beckett.
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts. OSHP does not suspect alcohol to be a factor in the crash which remains under investigation.
MARTINSBURG — A Martinsburg woman lost her life in a fatal car crash in Licking County on Thursday. The Ohio State Highway Patrol Granville Post said the crash was on Martinsburg Road, just north of Eden Church Road in Washington Township.
Tamara Wires, 45, was driving north at 5:20 p.m., when her 1999 Ford Escort traveled off the right side of the road, hit a private drive’s culvert and guardrail. The vehicle then overturned into a ditch striking a fence. Wires was alone in the car, according to OSHP. The patrol added she was wearing her seat belt.
The crash remains under investigation.
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