JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A three-vehicle collision on US-35 resulted in an overturned car and a trip to the hospital for a Connecticut man early Monday morning.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:50 AM on April 6, 2026, in Jefferson Township. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, all three vehicles were traveling northwest on US-35 when a lane change maneuver triggered the chain reaction.
The Chain Reaction
Investigating troopers reported that Welcome Lance Smith, 45, of Hartford, Connecticut, was driving a red 2008 Lexus IS northwest when he attempted to change lanes. During the maneuver, Smith’s Lexus struck a gold 2002 Honda Civic driven by Tony Keith Shreffler, 53, of Richmond Dale.
The impact sent the Lexus into a second collision with a white 2008 Freightliner semi-tractor, driven by Michael Dwayne Watson, 55, of Charlotte, North Carolina. The force of the second impact caused the Lexus to overturn before coming to a rest.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Smith, the driver of the Lexus, sustained suspected minor injuries. He was treated at the scene by Jefferson Township EMS and subsequently transported to Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe for further evaluation.
The drivers of the Honda Civic and the Freightliner semi were not injured. All three men were reportedly wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision.
Citations and Investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol identified Smith as the unit at fault. He was issued a citation for Rules for Driving in Marked Lanes (ORC 4511.33).
Trooper Isaac McFann investigated the scene, which was cleared by 8:00 AM. While the Lexus and the Freightliner sustained disabling damage and required towing by Heistad’s and Gahms respectively, the Honda Civic was able to leave the scene with only minor damage.
