2 brothers claimed in T.R. 230 crash
Deputies from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a double-fatal crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Township Road 230 between state routes 540 and 47
Brothers Robert M., 16, and Wyatt Smith, 14, both Benjamin Logan High School students, were pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said.
Deputies report Robert was operating a southbound car on Township Road 230. A motorist operating a northbound car, Cody A. Carpenter, 25, address unavailable, reported to deputies that he observed the Smith vehicle left of center approaching a hill on the narrow township road. Carpenter took evasive action to avoid the other vehicle, driving to the right and coming to a final rest in the grass on the west side of the road.
The Smith vehicle also went off the west side of the road in the 500 block of T.R. 230 and struck a tree, causing the vehicle to catch fire. The two vehicles did not make contact during the incident, deputies said.
Bellefontaine Fire and EMS reported a vehicle was fully engulfed in flames and located in a treeline when crews arrived, and the fire was not able to be contained for almost 20 minutes. Carpenter and other area motorists also had stopped to render assistance to the vehicle occupants.
A Logan County LOSS team also provided counseling assistance at the scene.
Benjamin Logan Schools operated on a two-hour delay today, Thursday, Nov. 21, as a result of the tragic accident. Grief counselors were available for students and faculty throughout the school day.
Robert and Wyatt were active in sports, both playing football for the Raiders.
The accident is still under investigation by the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, who were assisted on the scene by Tri-Valley EMS, the Logan County Coroner’s Office and Wren’s Towing.
The Carpenter vehicle sustained no damage and damage was heavy to the Smith vehicle. Carpenter was wearing a seat belt, and seat belt usage is unknown for the Smith vehicle occupants.
This is the ninth fatal crash in Logan County this year.