Salem Township, OH (June 4, 2026) – Two men were injured on Thursday morning following a head-on collision on State Route 29 near South Ludlow Road in Champaign County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The crash was reported at approximately 8:15 a.m. in Salem Township. Investigators said a 2007 Chevrolet 3500 towing a trailer, driven by an 18-year-old man from New Carlisle, was traveling westbound on SR-29 when it swerved to avoid a vehicle that had slowed to make a turn onto South Ludlow Road.
Troopers said the Chevrolet crossed the centerline and collided head-on with an eastbound 2013 Ford F-350 driven by a 50-year-old Urbana man.
Following the impact, the Ford and the detached trailer from the Chevrolet left the roadway and came to rest on the south side of SR-29. The collision temporarily closed both directions of the highway while emergency crews responded and investigators examined the scene.
The driver of the Chevrolet sustained serious, life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Authorities reported that he was later listed in stable condition. The driver of the Ford was transported to Mercy Health–Urbana Hospital with minor injuries.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
We are thinking of those injured and wish them a full recovery.
How Sudden Evasive Maneuvers Can Lead to Serious Highway Crashes
When drivers attempt to avoid a slowing or turning vehicle, abrupt steering inputs can sometimes result in a loss of lane control. On two-lane highways, crossing the centerline can quickly lead to head-on collisions, which are among the most severe types of roadway crashes.
Investigators typically examine vehicle speeds, following distances, driver reactions, and roadway conditions. They also review physical evidence such as tire marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns to reconstruct the sequence of events. Understanding why a driver took evasive action is often a key part of determining how a crash occurred.
