SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP — A 23-month-old Ravenna girl was killed in a four-vehicle accident on the Ohio Turnpike near the westbound entrance in Springfield Township Sunday afternoon.

According to the Hiram Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Chauncey V. Harris, 34, of Warren was approaching stopped cars in front of him at 12:01 p.m. Sunday and failed to stop in time and struck the rear of another car, injuring the driver and killing the girl.

Harris and the driver of the second car were transported to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. The girl was flown by helicopter from the scene to Akron Children’s Hospital, where she died. Harris had non-life-threatening injuries, the patrol stated in a press release.

The drivers of the two other vehicles, Michael Chamberlin, 71, OF Delton, Mich., and Bruce Gunn, 77, OF Macungie,Pa., suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The turnpike was closed in both directions for about 75 minutes in both directions as a result of the crash.

The patrol says it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash, which remains under investigation. Charges are pending.

news@vindy.com