One Woman Dead, Four Injured in Licking County Crash Following Failure to Yield
LICKING COUNTY, OH — A devastating crash in Licking County on Thursday afternoon has left one woman dead and four others injured, including two children, after a vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Granville Post.
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 1:06 p.m. on June 27 at the intersection of State Route 16 and Gale Road, a junction where visibility and traffic speed often create dangerous conditions.
Details of the Crash
According to OSHP investigators, Donna Porter, 68, of Grove City, was driving a 2019 Toyota Sienna minivan northbound on Gale Road, accompanied by two juvenile passengers. Upon reaching the intersection with State Route 16, Porter stopped at the posted stop sign but then proceeded into the intersection without yielding to oncoming traffic.
At that same moment, a 2012 Mazda 5 minivan traveling eastbound on State Route 16 — driven by Sandra Welch, 60, of Pataskala — was approaching the intersection. Welch’s vehicle collided with the Toyota Sienna in a violent impact that sent both vehicles spinning off the roadway.
Casualties and Injuries
Sandra Welch suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash and was rushed to Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Welch’s passenger, Crystal Mason, 38, also sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized at the same facility. Her condition has not been made public, but she remains under medical care as of the latest report.
Donna Porter, the driver of the Toyota, was transported to Mount Carmel East with serious injuries, while her two young passengers were taken for treatment of minor injuries. Their identities and ages have not been disclosed, and all are reportedly expected to recover.
Investigation Ongoing
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has confirmed that the crash remains under investigation. As of the latest update, no citations or charges have been issued. Troopers continue to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash and may interview witnesses or review surveillance footage if available.
Authorities have not released further details about road conditions, visibility at the time, or whether distraction or impairment played a role. However, OSHP did confirm that the primary factor was the failure to yield from a stop sign on Gale Road.
Community Response and Road Safety Concerns
Sandra Welch’s death has sparked grief and concern in the local community, especially among residents of Pataskala, where she was well-known. Family, friends, and community members have begun expressing their condolences and remembering her as a loving and active member of the neighborhood.
The intersection of State Route 16 and Gale Road has long been considered a high-risk crossing due to the speed of traffic on Route 16 and the limited visibility from cross streets. Thursday’s fatal crash has reignited conversations about whether additional traffic control measures — such as a traffic signal or flashing warning signs — are needed to prevent future tragedies.
Highway Patrol’s Message to Drivers
In the aftermath of the crash, OSHP is urging all drivers to exercise extreme caution at intersections, especially those that involve stop signs crossing high-speed roadways.
“A single moment of misjudgment at a stop sign can lead to devastating consequences,” one OSHP official said. “We ask everyone to take that extra second to double-check for traffic. It can save lives.”
As summer traffic increases, law enforcement reminds all motorists to remain vigilant, avoid distractions, and prioritize safety on every road, no matter how familiar.
Final Thoughts
This tragic accident serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be forever changed by a momentary lapse in judgment. The death of Sandra Welch, the injuries to Crystal Mason, Donna Porter, and two children underscore the human cost of roadway collisions.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss and hopes for the full recovery of those injured. Safety advocates are calling for increased awareness and possibly infrastructure changes to make intersections like State Route 16 and Gale Road safer for all.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information is released by investigators.