Ross County, OH (May 1, 2026) – One man was seriously injured Thursday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash in Twin Township. The incident occurred around 4:55 p.m. on Rapid Forge Road near the intersection of Moxley Road.
Emergency units responded to the scene, where a 2015 Ford Explorer had stopped behind an emergency vehicle on the roadway. A 2001 Toyota Celica traveling southwest on Rapid Forge Road failed to maintain distance and struck the rear of the Ford.
The driver of the Toyota was flown to Grant Medical Center with suspected serious injuries. A passenger in the Toyota sustained minor injuries. In the Ford, the front seat passenger reported minor injuries, while the driver and two juvenile passengers were not hurt.
The crash temporarily shut down Rapid Forge Road for about an hour before the roadway was reopened to traffic.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
How Rear-End Crashes Near Emergency Scenes Commonly Happen
Rear-end crashes often occur when drivers do not maintain enough distance or fail to notice slowed or stopped vehicles ahead. These risks increase near emergency scenes where traffic patterns can change suddenly.
Roadside activity can also reduce available space for drivers to maneuver safely. When vehicles are stopped in sequence, a single lapse in attention can trigger a chain reaction.
Speed, following distance, and driver awareness all play key roles in preventing these types of collisions. Slowing down early and scanning the road ahead can help reduce the risk of sudden impacts near active scenes.
