Three dead in Scioto County crash, police say driver charged with drunk driving

SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio (WCHS) — UPDATED – 9 PM, 05/24/24

A Pike County man was arrested following a two-vehicle crash Friday night that left three children dead and at least two injured in Scioto County, police said.

Gage Smith, 22, of Piketon was traveling north and passed another vehicle before losing control of the car and colliding with an oncoming southbound truck. There were several passengers in the vehicle, including front passenger Courtney Copas, who was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, and three children, according to a news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

According to police, the three children, aged 4, 6 and 5, died in the accident.

Smith is suspected of driving under the influence. After being released from Southern Ohio Medical Center, he was taken into custody and is being held in the Scioto County Jail on several charges, including three counts of vehicular manslaughter and aggravated assault with a vehicle.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says the investigation is currently ongoing.

ORIGINAL STORY

At least one person was killed in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Friday afternoon in Scioto County, police say.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., emergency responders received reports of a two-vehicle crash on State Route 104 in the Lucasville area. The Ohio State Highway Patrol arrived at the scene.

The condition of the other people involved and the cause of the accident are currently unknown.

This story will be updated when more information is provided.