By Crash News Writer 
Darke County, OH (January 17, 2026) – A devastating multi-vehicle crash involving a fire left three people dead and three others injured Friday morning along State Route 49 in Darke County.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, first responders were called to the 2400 block of State Route 49 near the intersections of Pitsburg-Laura Road and Oakes Road just before 8 a.m. on January 16. Emergency crews discovered a cargo van pulling a trailer and a passenger car engulfed in flames after a chain-reaction collision involving a Spirit Medical transport bus.
The preliminary investigation revealed the northbound van veered across the centerline, striking the southbound 2023 Chevrolet Spirit EMS bus driven by Chris Bemis, 63, of St. Mary’s. The van then collided with a 2013 Dodge sedan driven by 18-year-old Kenadie Hensley of Arcanum. The van and sedan caught fire, and both male occupants of the van were pronounced dead at the scene.
Bemis was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital, where he later died. A juvenile passenger and Spirit EMS aid Bonnie Behee, 62, were taken to Wayne Healthcare with non-life-threatening injuries. Hensley was treated and released at the scene.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
In the aftermath of tragic events like this, it’s crucial to understand your legal options. Whether you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a crash, filing a claim can help protect your future. Holding negligent parties accountable through legal action is often necessary for obtaining justice and financial relief. Legal claims can cover medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Learn more about car accident laws in Ohio and how they may apply to your case.
Those searching for a car accident near me or trying to better understand how to file a claim after a car accident near Darke County should not delay. Whether you are looking for a recent car accident report or help recovering after a tragedy, consulting a legal professional immediately is one of the most important steps you can take.
If you’ve been affected by a car accident near Darke County, don’t navigate the legal process alone. A car accident near me often leads to lasting consequences that require professional legal support.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This report is based on statements from local officials and may be updated as more details are released. For common legal and procedural concerns after a crash, please review our frequently asked questions in Ohio .
- The names of the two deceased van occupants have not been made public pending identification and family notification.
- Additional information including toxicology results and potential contributing factors will be shared as the investigation progresses.
- Drivers in the area were advised to avoid State Route 49 near Pitsburg-Laura Road due to extended closures and emergency response activity.
Additional help is available to victims and their families. For guidance and emotional support services, see our full list of accident resources in Ohio .
This news article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. All facts are based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. As investigations evolve, new details may emerge. To learn more, read our disclaimer.
If you or someone you love was impacted by this crash, call an attorney right away. Speak to an experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer to help guide your next steps.