Semi vs. car accident with serious injuries reported at Ledge and Alleghany roads

(Photo by Howard Owens.)

A tractor-trailer vs. car accident with serious injuries is reported at Alleghany and Ledge roads. Mercy Flight's availability is being checked. Alabama fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 1:38 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls fire police are requested to assist Alabama fire by shutting down Phelps Road at Route 77.

UPDATE 2:02 p.m.: This is a fatal accident. A car is wedged under the semi-truck.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: Sheriff's Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble said a tractor-trailer was southbound on Route 77 and a Mercury Grand Marquis was heading eastbound on Ledge Road when the sedan failed to stop at the stop sign and drove straight into the side of the semi. Witnesses said it did not attempt to brake nor stop at the intersection. The impact wedged the car under the semi and both traveled several hundred feet before coming to a halt. The sedan's driver is dead and they are working on notification, but the body has not yet been extricated. The coroner is on scene. There were several witnesses. There is no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role for the truck driver, who did not appear to be speeding, according to witnesses. Indications are the deceased driver is from out of town. The case is being investigated; the truck's mechanics will be examined; a press release is expected later today. Dibble acknowledged that the intersection has been the site of several bad accidents, and he said so has the nearby intersection of Gabbey Road and Route 77. He said the sheer volume of traffic may account for the higher number of accidents at those intersections, but there's "nothing beyond that" such as a steep grade or curve that sets them apart. Possibly the driver in this case wasn't being attentive, was distracted.

UPDATE 6:17 p.m.: The roadways are reopened.

UPDATE 8:08 p.m.: The name of the female driver who was pronounced dead at the scene by County Coroner Karen Lang is not yet being released because the Sheriff's Office has not yet been able to complete notifications. The driver of the semi is identified as James L. Cereghin, 55, of County Road, Defiance, Ohio. A third vehicle was either struck by the Grand Marquis or debris from the vehicle. It was a Jeep Wrangler driven by Dennis R. Carroll, 64, of Transit Road, East Bethany. Neither Cereghin nor Carroll were injured in the accident. The 53-foot box trailer was hauling 46,000 pounds of boxed food product.  

UPDATE 5:40 a.m., Friday: The name of the woman who died is Donna L. Ray, 61, of East Avenue, Buffalo.