Jerome Twp, OH (August 28, 2025) – A serious collision in Jerome Township early Wednesday morning left a Marion woman critically injured after her vehicle struck a traffic cone and collided with a construction vehicle along U.S. Route 33 eastbound near State Route 161.
Emergency responders from Jerome Township were dispatched shortly before 12:40 a.m. to the scene of the crash. According to authorities, 61-year-old Martha M. Noel of Marion was traveling eastbound on US-33 when her vehicle hit a traffic cone, then crashed into a tandem asphalt roller being operated at a nearby construction site.
Noel sustained critical injuries in the collision and was transported by emergency medical services to Riverside Methodist Hospital for treatment. The operator of the asphalt roller, identified as 50-year-old Jason R. McKee of Bellefontaine, was not injured in the crash.
A dog traveling inside Noel’s vehicle was not harmed. The animal was temporarily taken in by the Union County Humane Society before being released to its owner later that day.
Police confirmed that Noel was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash, and alcohol is not suspected to be a contributing factor. The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the collision.
Our thoughts are with Martha M. Noel and her loved ones as she begins her recovery.
Construction Zone Accidents in Ohio
Collisions in construction zones often lead to devastating consequences, as seen in Wednesday morning’s crash on US-33 near SR-161 in Jerome Township. These zones pose heightened dangers to both motorists and workers due to narrowed lanes, equipment presence, altered traffic patterns, and reduced visibility—particularly during overnight hours.
In this case, a single-vehicle impact involving a stationary piece of road equipment resulted in life-threatening injuries. Despite the use of safety cones and work zone markers, drivers may struggle to react in time—especially when driving at highway speeds. Even one misplaced tire or moment of distraction can cause a serious crash.
According to Ohio state data, work zone-related crashes frequently occur during off-peak hours when crews are most active and drivers may be less alert. While Noel was wearing her seatbelt—a factor that likely helped minimize further injury—the collision underscores the urgent need for continued public awareness about work zone safety and driver vigilance.
For victims and families affected by such incidents, the road to recovery can be complex. Hospitalization, ongoing rehabilitation, and navigating medical bills and insurance processes can be overwhelming. Access to support systems—legal, medical, and emotional—becomes essential.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a construction zone crash, it’s important to take early action to protect your rights and understand your next steps. Proper documentation and timely guidance can make a meaningful difference.
In the aftermath of a construction zone crash, knowing where to turn can feel overwhelming. At Local Accident Reports, we help injury victims in Ohio connect with the critical resources they need—from securing a free accident report to learning about legal options. Don’t navigate this alone. Contact us today to get the support you need and move forward with clarity and confidence.
