Xenia, OH (March 27, 2025) – A violent overnight crash on US Route 35 sent two men to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after their vehicle was rear-ended by a semi-truck early Thursday morning, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 1:45 a.m. near the intersection of US Route 35 and US Route 68. Troopers say a 2025 Mack Anthem semi-truck, driven by 34-year-old Thierno Bah, was heading west on Route 35 when it struck the rear of a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta.
The Jetta, driven by 41-year-old Dontay Henderson, veered off the right side of the highway and crashed into a ditch. Henderson and his passenger, 46-year-old William Pointer, were both transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
After the collision, the semi-truck continued off the road, crossing a grassy median and stopping in the eastbound lanes of Route 35. Bah was evaluated at the scene and was not injured.
Legal Considerations: Rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks often raise questions about following distance, speed, and driver awareness. Troopers may review onboard data from the Mack Anthem to determine its speed and braking behavior in the moments leading up to impact.
When commercial vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results can be catastrophic due to the difference in size and force. Investigators may also assess road lighting, traffic flow at the time, and whether fatigue or distraction played a role.
In crashes like this one, law enforcement may also analyze how and when the passenger vehicle entered the truck’s path and whether either driver attempted evasive action.
Ongoing Investigation: The Xenia Post of the OSHP is leading the investigation. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the City of Xenia Police Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, New Jasper Township Fire & EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Sandy’s Towing.
Authorities have not released any updates on the conditions of Henderson or Pointer as of Thursday morning. The investigation remains open, and no charges have been announced.
I hope both men receive the care they need and that their families find strength during this difficult time.
Source: Dayton 24/7 Now