Darke County, OH (January 17, 2026) – A tragic multi-vehicle crash on State Route 49 claimed the lives of three individuals and left several others injured on the morning of January 16, according to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. and involved a cargo van pulling a trailer, a medical transport bus, and a sedan. First responders arrived to find two of the vehicles engulfed in flames. Investigators say the northbound cargo van crossed the centerline and struck the medical transport bus traveling south. The van then continued forward and collided with a sedan.
Two men inside the cargo van were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released. The driver of the medical transport bus, identified as 63-year-old Chris Bemis of St. Marys, was flown to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Also on the bus were a juvenile and a 62-year-old woman, both of whom were hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The driver of the sedan involved was treated by EMS at the scene and released.
The crash remains under active investigation, and State Route 49 was closed for approximately five hours while crews worked at the scene.
We send our deepest condolences to the families affected by this heartbreaking incident and hope for a swift recovery for the injured.
