Driver, passenger seriously injured in Brown County crash, troopers say

CINCINNATI (WXIX) -Two people were taken to the hospital with serious injuries after a two-vehicle crash occurred in Brown County Saturday night, according to troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Troopers say that around 7:40 p.m., 22-year-old William Freimuth was driving a 2010 Ford 150 westbound on Oakland Road when he entered the intersection and was hit by a 2001 Mazda MPV, driven by 43-year-old Melissa Lakes, traveling southbound on US Route 68.

The Ford veered off the left side of the road, striking a utility pole, while the Mazda went off the left side and into a ditch.

Troopers say Lakes sustained serious injuries and was taken by Air Care to UC Medical Center while the passenger, 21-year-old Charity Effinger was taken by Georgetown EMS also to UC Medical Center.

OSP says Freimuth was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured in the crash.

It is unclear if speed, drugs, or alcohol played a factor in the crash.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.