Darke County, OH – Two people were hospitalized Saturday morning after a three-vehicle crash on State Route 571 near Beamsville Union City Road, according to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office. The collision occurred at approximately 7:38 a.m. on November 22, 2025, prompting responses from Union City Fire and Rescue and CareFlight.
According to investigators, a 2009 blue Chevy Malibu, driven by Jenna Austerman, 26, of Winchester, was stopped in traffic attempting to turn left onto Beamsville Union City Road when it was rear-ended by a 2013 blue Volkswagen Passat driven by Mackenzie Charles, 23, of Union City. Deputies said the Passat then veered left of center, striking a 2014 white Chevy Suburban, driven by Michael Burkett, 78, of New Madison, head-on.
Authorities reported that Austerman was uninjured, while Charles was flown by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital for treatment. Burkett was transported to Reid Health for minor injuries.
Deputies closed portions of State Route 571 during the response and investigation. The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to review the cause of the crash.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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