Batavia Township, OH (April 22, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash in Clermont County on Monday afternoon, April 20, left one woman dead and four others hurt. The incident happened shortly after 4:30 p.m. at the intersection of Old State Route 32 and Zagar Road.
Authorities said a 2011 Nissan Rogue struck a 2004 Ford Focus as the car was turning left from westbound Old State Route 32 onto Zagar Road. The impact caused serious injuries to both people inside the Ford Focus. The passenger, identified as 49-year-old Laraina Holder of Williamsburg, was flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
The 18-year-old driver of the Ford Focus was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Meanwhile, the driver of the Nissan Rogue, a 31-year-old man from Moscow, and one of his passengers were treated at the scene for minor injuries. A second passenger in the SUV was taken to Clermont Mercy Hospital for further care.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
How Left-Turn Collisions at Intersections Often Happen
Crashes involving left turns at intersections are common, especially on busy roads with steady traffic flow. These accidents often occur when a driver misjudges the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles while attempting to turn. Even a brief delay in decision-making can have serious consequences.
Visibility can also be a factor. Other vehicles, roadside objects, or weather conditions may limit how clearly a driver can see approaching traffic. In some cases, drivers may feel pressured to turn quickly due to traffic buildup behind them.
Vehicle speed plays a role as well. When oncoming traffic is moving at higher speeds, the margin for error becomes smaller. This increases the risk of severe injuries, especially when the side of a vehicle is struck during a turn.