Columbus – Ohio State Highway Patrol crash reconstruction experts will be joined by representatives from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford, California Highway Patrol, and State Fire Marshall’s office in a meticulous examination of Ohio State Highway Patrol car number 1373, the vehicle which caught fire after a crash Thursday morning. Car 1373 and the Chevrolet Silverado involved were transported to a secure facility in Columbus pending Monday’s scheduled examination. Based upon physical evidence and witnesses who saw the crash scene following the collision, the fire is believed to spread from the Patrol car to the pick-up truck. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion following the sound of a collision.

The triple-fatality crash occurred on Jackson Pike at Mitchell Road in Gallia County at approximately 5:50 a.m. Thursday. Killed in the crash were Sgt. Dale R. Holcomb, 45, a 21-year Patrol veteran, and Tpr. Joshua P. Risner, 29, a seven-year Patrol veteran, both of the Gallipolis Patrol Post, and motorist, Lori Smith, 32, of Vinton, in the two-vehicle crash.

Patrol investigators said physical evidence collected at the crash scene indicates the Chevrolet Silverado, being driven by Ms. Smith, was traveling in the westbound lane of Jackson Pike. The Patrol cruiser, being driven by Tpr. Risner, with passenger Sgt. Holcomb, was traveling in the eastbound lane of Jackson Pike. Physical evidence gathered thus far indicates the collision occurred in the westbound lanes of Jackson Pike, just west of Mitchell Road.

There was heavy front-end damage to the Chevrolet Silverado, and heavy back-end damage to the Patrol cruiser. A resulting fire from the crash significantly burned both vehicles. Due to heavy rain and wet road conditions at the time of the crash, investigators have been limited by a lack of tire marks on the road.

Investigators also confirmed the emergency lights were activated on the cruiser at the time of the crash, and a witness has confirmed hearing the cruiser’s siren prior to the crash. A review of taped radio traffic revealed the officers had not been dispatched to an emergency call and there was no radio communications with the Post prior to the collision.

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