The Wilmington Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a three-vehicle fatal crash. The crash occurred Monday, May 1st , at approximately 11:25 a.m. on U.S. Route 68 near mile post 17 in Union Township, Clinton County.
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2012 Nissan Rogue, operated by Daryl W. Huhtala, 72, Xenia, was traveling south on U.S. Route 68. A 2019 Hyundai Sonata, operated by Richard L Buckalew, 40, Dayton, and a 2021 Buick Encore, operated by Albert W. Adkins, 38, Sabina, were traveling north on U.S. Route 68. The Nissan went left of center, traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, subsequently forcing the Hyundai off the right side of the roadway, where it struck a tree. The Nissan then struck the Buick head on.
Huhtala succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Adkins was transported by ground ambulance to Clinton Memorial Hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Buckalew refused treatment at the scene of the crash.
The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation and the Wilmington Fire Department & EMS. The crash remains under investigation at this time.