Authorities in Union County, Ohio, are investigating a heartbreaking two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl and left four others injured on Sunday evening. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is working to piece together what led to the deadly collision, which took place along a busy stretch of Hyland Croy Road. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Dublin and Lewis Center communities.
The crash occurred just after 7:24 p.m. near Johnston Drive, prompting an immediate response from troopers and emergency personnel. According to OSHP, the accident involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions when one crossed the center line. Hyland Croy Road was shut down for several hours as responders treated victims, assessed the scene, and cleared the severely damaged vehicles. The road, often filled with local commuters, quickly became a site of sorrow and urgency as crews worked under tense conditions.
Investigators say a northbound Kia Forte, driven by 17-year-old Claudia Phan of Dublin, drifted left of center for reasons that remain unclear. As the Kia entered the southbound lane, it collided head-on with a Ford Explorer driven by 37-year-old Jason Lyle of Lewis Center. The impact was powerful, forcing both vehicles off the right side of the roadway. OSHP reported that the damage to the Kia was catastrophic, leaving little chance for life-saving measures once responders arrived.
Phan was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries. Her sudden passing has devastated her family, friends, and school community. Investigators have not yet identified what caused her vehicle to veer into the opposite lane, and they will be examining factors such as visibility, vehicle condition, road surface, and any potential distractions that may have occurred in the moments before the crash.
Jason Lyle sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Riverside Methodist Hospital for immediate treatment. Authorities have not yet provided an update on his condition. Inside his Ford Explorer were three passengers: 34-year-old Ashley Lyle, who suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Riverside, and two young children who were transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital with minor injuries. Officials confirmed the children were stable and receiving care.
OSHP investigators are now reconstructing the crash, reviewing witness statements, and examining all physical evidence to determine exactly how the tragic chain of events unfolded. No charges have been filed at this time, and authorities stressed that the investigation will take time as they analyze angles, speeds, and roadway conditions.
For now, the community mourns the loss of a young life and hopes for the recovery of those injured. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly the ordinary act of driving can turn tragic, and how vital it is for motorists to remain alert and cautious on the road.
