Harrison, OH—Early Monday, a crash closed part of I-74 inbetween Indiana and Ohio westbound for most of the morning. Investigators say Lafayette Dante Smith, 46, of Cincinnati, got into the westbound lanes heading east somewhere in Indiana and that he traveled nearly 7 miles into Ohio going the wrong way, crashing into a Mazda and then getting hit by a box truck, then another car. Seven people were hurt and two were critically injured, including a child.
The driver of the Mazda and a 5-year-old in that car were most seriously injured. A 3-year-old was transported for observation. Police say the two children were not wearing seatbelts, police said. One crash victim said she was driving home from work and nearly went over the guardrail to avoid crashing.
Investigators say they believe alcohol was a factor in the crash and are still trying to figure out where the Cadillac entered I-74 going the wrong way; 911 calls indicate it was before it came into Ohio from Indiana.
The Sheriff’s Traffic Safety Unit is investigating. If you were a witness, please call 513-825-1500.
