Versailles, OH (August 31, 2026) – A Nissan pickup towing a homemade trailer entered the path of a semi-truck on Saturday evening, August 29, resulting in injuries to two people in Darke County. The incident occurred around 6:36 p.m. at Children’s Home Bradford Road and US 127.
According to officials, a 2005 Nissan Frontier was traveling eastbound when it proceeded from a stop sign and entered the path of a 2024 Freightliner Cascadia. The semi, driven by 44-year-old Adeyinka Adeleye of Palmetto, Florida, struck the Nissan on its side, causing the pickup to spin off the roadway. The Nissan driver, 59-year-old James Henry of Versailles, refused medical treatment at the scene.
A female juvenile passenger in the front seat was taken to Wayne Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. A second female juvenile passenger who was riding in the back seat was flown by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital before being transferred to Dayton Children’s Hospital. She remained in serious but stable condition.
The collision remains under investigation as officials continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. Our thoughts are with those injured as they continue to receive medical care.
What Can Make Crashes Involving Semi-Trucks More Severe?
Collisions involving semi-trucks can result in significant vehicle damage because commercial trucks are substantially larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. The location of the impact can affect how force is transferred to the smaller vehicle and its occupants.
Passenger vehicles that enter a truck’s path may have limited time to avoid an impact. Factors such as traffic signs, visibility, roadway layout, vehicle speed, and driver attention can influence how quickly each vehicle can respond to a developing hazard.
Trailers can also affect a vehicle’s handling and stopping distance. When a pickup is towing a trailer, the added weight may change acceleration, braking, and steering characteristics. Proper equipment and safe driving practices can help reduce risks associated with towing.
