BERNE TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A tragic head-on collision on Thursday night has claimed the lives of a 25-year-old Lancaster woman and a 3-year-old child, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The Lancaster Post of the highway patrol received emergency calls regarding a violent two-vehicle crash on Bremen Road SE, near Lake Road SE, in Fairfield County.
Left of Center Collision
According to crash investigators, Miranda M. Maughmer, 25, of Lancaster, was driving a 2023 Kia Forte eastbound on Bremen Road. Traveling westbound was Faith E. Irwin, 33, of Bremen, behind the wheel of a 2015 GMC Acadia.
For reasons still under investigation, Maughmer’s Kia suddenly traveled left of center, crossing the dividing line and striking Irwin’s GMC Acadia.
Casualties and Injuries Reported
The impact of the crash resulted in devastating casualties, particularly for the occupants of the Kia:
- Miranda M. Maughmer: The driver was rushed by Lancaster EMS to the Fairfield Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Troopers noted that Maughmer was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
- 3-Year-Old Passenger: A toddler riding in the back seat of the Kia was also transported to Fairfield Medical Center but tragically died at the hospital.
- 8-Month-Old Passenger: An infant in the back seat of the Kia survived the crash with minor injuries.
State troopers confirmed that, unlike the driver, both children were properly secured in child safety seats during the crash.
The driver of the second vehicle, Faith E. Irwin, was transported by Berne Township EMS to Fairfield Medical Center. Her injuries are described as non-life-threatening. Investigators noted that Irwin was also not wearing a seatbelt.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the exact factors that caused the vehicle to cross the centerline.
