Parkersburg, WV – A serious two-vehicle crash on Interstate 77 in Wood County has left one passenger hospitalized in critical condition, with criminal charges pending against one of the drivers, according to authorities.
According to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded Monday, January 19, to a collision on I-77 North near mile marker 176 involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck. Investigators said a 2018 Kia Forte was traveling southbound when it crossed the median into northbound lanes, directly into oncoming traffic.
Authorities said the northbound semi-truck, a 2022 Freightliner driven by Susan Lemmo, attempted to avoid the collision by braking and changing lanes. Despite those efforts, the Kia struck the side of the tractor-trailer before coming to rest in the median.
The driver of the Kia, Madelon Ewing, was transported from the scene in stable condition. A passenger in the vehicle, identified as Raymond Witten, was hospitalized in critical condition. Lemmo, the truck driver, was not injured.
Deputies said the crash caused temporary traffic impacts along I-77 as emergency crews responded and the scene was cleared. The incident occurred in Wood County, near the Parkersburg area, a heavily traveled corridor for both local commuters and commercial traffic.
According to the sheriff’s office, criminal charges are pending against Ewing. Alleged charges under review include crossing the median, left of center, failure to maintain control, and reckless driving. Deputy Turner is leading the ongoing criminal investigation.
Officials said additional details may be released as the investigation continues.
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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