BERNE TOWNSHIP, Fairfield County — A two-vehicle crash late Thursday on Bremen Road SE near Lake Road SE killed a 25-year-old Lancaster woman and a 3-year-old child, authorities said Friday.
What happened
Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said a 2023 Kia Forte driven by 25-year-old Miranda M. Maughmer of Lancaster crossed left of center and struck a westbound 2015 GMC Acadia driven by 33-year-old Faith E. Irwin of Bremen.
Maughmer was treated by Lancaster EMS and taken to Fairfield Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. The 3-year-old passenger, who was also transported to the hospital, died there. An 8-month-old passenger suffered minor injuries and was treated at the same hospital. Troopers said both children had been secured in child safety seats.
Other victims and safety details
- Driver of GMC Acadia: Faith E. Irwin, 33, taken to Fairfield Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Children in Kia Forte: A 3-year-old who died, and an 8-month-old with minor injuries; both reportedly in child seats.
- Seatbelt use: Troopers reported Maughmer and Irwin were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
State troopers said the Lancaster Post received a call reporting the crash and responded to the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the cause of the collision.
| Vehicle | Driver (age) | Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Forte | Miranda M. Maughmer, 25 | Killed |
| 2015 GMC Acadia | Faith E. Irwin, 33 | Non-life-threatening injuries |
Why it matters to local motorists
Crashes that cross centerlines often have severe consequences for occupants of both vehicles. Troopers noted that the two adult drivers were not belted; by contrast, the two children in the Kia were reportedly secured in appropriate car seats. The incident underscores continuing safety questions for Fairfield County drivers about seatbelt use, roadway lane departures and local traffic enforcement.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Authorities have not released additional details about contributing factors such as speed, impairment or road conditions. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lancaster post of the patrol.
Family notifications and further victim-identification matters were handled by law enforcement and medical personnel at Fairfield Medical Center.
