Trotwood, OH — A devastating three-vehicle crash in Trotwood on Wednesday morning left a 38-year-old Dayton woman and a 17-year-old girl dead, while three others suffered serious injuries.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the collision unfolded just after 8:11 a.m. on East Main Street, near the busy intersection with Ohio 49.
The victims were identified as Deona Ellison, 38, and Te’Auna Ellison, 17, both of whom were rushed to Miami Valley Hospital but ultimately died from their injuries despite emergency efforts.
How the Crash Happened
Troopers say the chain-reaction crash began when a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban, traveling east on East Main Street, suddenly went left of center, crossing into oncoming traffic. The Suburban collided head-on with a 2015 Ford Taurus heading westbound.
Moments later, a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, which was also traveling west, crashed into the Suburban. After the impact, the Equinox veered off the right side of the roadway.
The force of these collisions left multiple victims trapped or severely injured, prompting a large emergency response from several regional agencies.
Victims Identified and Condition Reports
OSHP confirmed that Deona Ellison was driving the Ford Taurus at the time of the crash. Inside the vehicle were Te’Auna Ellison and two additional juveniles.
Here’s what officials reported:
- Deona Ellison, 38 — transported to Miami Valley Hospital, later died
- Te’Auna Ellison, 17 — transported to Miami Valley Hospital, later died
- Two juveniles — taken to Dayton Children’s Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries
The driver of the 2011 Suburban was also taken to Miami Valley Hospital and remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Meanwhile, all individuals inside the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox — the driver and three passengers — were unharmed, with no injuries reported.
Massive Emergency Response
Given the severity of the collision and the number of victims involved, multiple agencies responded to the scene, including:
- Trotwood Police Department
- Trotwood Fire & Rescue
- Harrison Township Fire Department and EMS
- New Lebanon Fire Department and EMS
- Montgomery County Coroner’s Office
- Trotwood Public Works
Crews worked together to manage traffic backups, provide medical treatment, transport injured victims, and investigate the crash scene.
Investigation Ongoing
OSHP troopers are still working to determine what caused the Suburban to cross the center line. Investigators will examine factors such as speed, weather conditions, driver impairment, and mechanical failures.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding potential charges, as the crash remains under active investigation.
Residents and drivers in the area described the scene as “chaotic,” with both directions of traffic shut down for an extended period as crews worked to clear debris and reconstruct the crash. The intersection of East Main Street and Ohio 49 is known for heavy morning traffic, especially during school and work commute hours.
How can communities improve road safety along major commuter routes like East Main Street?
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