Hamilton man, 67, killed in head-on crash on U.S. 127 in Darke County

UPDATE @ 8:55 p.m.: A 67-year-old Hamilton man has been identified as the fatality in the head-on accident involving a semitrailer and a pickup in the 3000 block of U.S. 127, the Darke County Sheriff's Office said.

John Cecil was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been driving a red Ford Ranger pickup that collided with an oncoming semitrailer when Cecil tried to pass a semitrailer.

Travis Hertel, 36, of Liberty, Indiana, was driving the semi involved in the accident. He was treated at the scene and released, according to the sheriff's office.

A Darke County Emergency Management Agency crew was called because of diesel that spilled into a side ditch as a result of the collision.

U.S. 127 was closed approximately 6 hours for the investigation and clean up, according to the sheriff's office.

UPDATE @ 2:30 p.m.: 

The driver of a pickup truck is dead following a head-on crash with a semi-trailer on U.S. 127 in Darke County, according to deputies.

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The pickup truck was heading north on U.S. 127, traveling behind a semi-trailer when the driver of the pickup attempted to pass the semi.

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After going into the southbound lane, the truck crashed head-on into another semi-trailer that was traveling south, investigators said.

The driver of the pickup, who was not identified pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Potential factors in the crash were not available, but deputies said excessive speed does not appear to be a factor.

U.S. 127 is shut down in both directions for the investigation.

UPDATE @2:15 p.m.

The coroner is on the scene of a head-on crash involving a semi-tractor trailer and pickup truck.

A crash was reported on U.S. 127 in Darke County around 1 p.m.

FIRST REPORT

Emergency crews have responded to a reported head-on crash involving a semi and passenger vehicle on U.S. 127 in Darke County.

The crash was reported around 1 p.m. at U.S. 127 and Ohio 503 south of Greenville.

Details about the crash were not available, but initial reports indicate injuries may be serious.

We have a crew on the way and we’ll update this page as we learn more.

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