CHAMPAIGN COUNTY — Two infant children were pulled from a burning vehicle moments before flames engulfed the passenger compartment following a late-night crash Friday, March 13, on State Route 4 near Hawk Road.
Deputies of the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office responded about 11:50 p.m. to a report of a single-vehicle crash in which a vehicle struck a utility pole and caught fire.
The driver, later identified as dentified as Anthony Blankenship, 26, of Martin’s Ferry, was able to get out of the vehicle before emergency crews arrived.
Deputy Ashlie Walter arrived on scene at approximately 11:54 p.m. and began efforts to free the two infants trapped in the back seat. About two minutes later, Mechanicsburg Fire and EMS personnel — Lt. Thad Davis and Firefighter/EMT Jason Richey — arrived and assisted in the rescue. Deputy Bailey Ramsey responded shortly afterward.
Working together, the four rescuers were able to remove both infants from the burning vehicle by 11:58 p.m., moments before flames spread through the passenger compartment. A dog found in the front seat was deceased.
A male infant was flown by MedFlight helicopter to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. A female infant was transported there by squad for evaluation.
Fire from the vehicle spread to nearby brush, but crews extinguished the blaze and marked the situation contained about 12:25 a.m.
Blankenship was arrested following the crash. Deputies reported he showed signs of alcohol consumption at the scene.
Troopers of the Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded, took Blankenship into custody and transported him to the Tri-County Regional Jail in Mechanicsburg, where he was lodged.
Both Deputy Walter and Deputy Ramsey sustained minor smoke inhalation, and Walter also suffered a minor burn during the rescue.
Mechanicsburg Fire officials credited the coordinated response of multiple agencies, including the Urbana Fire Division, Northeast Champaign County Fire District, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Champaign Countywide Communications Center.
Officials also recognized Deputy Walter, Deputy Ramsey, Lt. Davis and Firefighter/EMT Richey for their direct role in rescuing the infants, noting their quick response and willingness to operate in close proximity to active fire conditions were critical in saving the children’s lives.
S.R. 4 was closed for approximately two hours during the investigation and vehicle removal before reopening to traffic.
Court records indicate third-degree felony aggravated vehicular assault and fifth-degree felony endangering children charges have been filed against Blankenship, along with misdemeanor counts of operating a vehicle while impaired and failure to maintain reasonable control.
His initial appearance is scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday, March 16, in Champaign County Municipal Court.
Troopers continue the crash investigation.
Sources: Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, Mechanicsburg Fire Department and Ohio State Highway Patrol.
