A pregnant mother of two and a Webberville teen are among the four victims who died during a massive 46-vehicle pileup crash that occurred on the Ohio Turnpike on Friday, authorities said.
Nineteen-year-old Emma Smith, whom friends described as a “gentle soul” who was always there for people, died in the accident at around 12:30 pm on Friday during a devastating storm that swept through the country with freezing Arctic temperatures and heavy snow.
On Sunday, authorities identified other victims as Bernard M. Bloniarz, 59, of Ohio, and Julie E. Roth, 37, of Toledo. Police said that the fourth victim hadn’t been identified publicly, pending family notification.
The miles-long crash happened along the eastbound side of the Ohio Turnpike on December 23 in Groton Township.
Confirming the incident, Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant Ryan Purpura said that local law enforcement agencies spent several hours investigating the crash. The storms claimed 57 lives, including 28 in the Buffalo, New York area.
“Weather is considered a factor in the crash, and it remains under investigation at this time,” Purpura said.
On a GoFundMe page, Chris Roth, the sister-in-law of Julie Roth, the pregnant mother, wrote, ” I’m seeking support for our family after the devastating loss. Sadly, Julie and her unborn child didn’t survive. Thankfully, her two children did, but they are suffering from multiple injuries they sustained from the accident.”
She added that the two children had been moved to multiple hospitals to receive support after being stuck in the cold weather waiting to be rescued.
Numerous people were injured during the crash, but authorities have not confirmed the numbers.