Multiple Injuries In Wrong-Way Crash On I-74

Monday, September 30, 2019 at 1:00 PM

A five-year old is among those who sustained life-threatening injuries.

(Whitewater Township, Oh.) – Several people were injured after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 74 in Whitewater Township.

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil says four vehicles were involved in the crash on I-74, just west of State Route 128 around 2:30 a.m. Monday.

According to a news release, Lafayette Dante Smith, 46, of Cincinnati, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when his vehicle collided with another vehicle driven by Eli Velasquez-Zacarius, 24, of Cincinnati.

Smith’s vehicle was then struck by a freightliner ‘box-truck’ operated by Isaac Slaughter, 34, of Cincinnati and a passenger vehicle operated by Charlee Combs, 31, of West Harrison.

Velasquez-Zacarius was airlifted to UC Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Smith was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Others injured in the crash included passengers Leivy Velasquez, Onelsa Roblero, and two juvenile passengers, ages three and five.

The five-year-old sustained life-threatening injuries.

Police are unsure why Smith was traveling the wrong way on I-74. However, alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Traffic Safety Unit continues to investigate. Witnesses to the crash are asked to contact the Traffic Safety Unit at (513) 825-1500.