BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO — Two people were reportedly injured in a motorcycle accident along State Route 9 near Unity Church Road, between Fairpoint and New Athens, late Tuesday night, October 20.
The accident was reported at approximately 10:23 p.m., prompting a response from emergency medical personnel, firefighters and law enforcement, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Emergency responders from both Belmont and Harrison counties were alerted to the accident, with initial uncertainty over whether separate incidents had occurred. It was later determined that the reports involved the same crash.
Due to the reported injuries, an air medical helicopter was placed on standby with an estimated response time of 13 minutes. However, the helicopter was later canceled after emergency personnel assessed the situation.
The female passenger reportedly suffered serious injuries and was described as drifting in and out of consciousness following the crash. Emergency medical personnel transported her to a hospital in Wheeling for further treatment.
The male motorcycle operator also reportedly sustained injuries but initially refused medical treatment. Later updates indicated that he was also being transported for medical evaluation.
Responders raised concerns that the male operator appeared to be heavily intoxicated. However, no official determination regarding alcohol impairment has been confirmed, and it is not known whether any charges have been filed.
A tow truck was requested to remove the motorcycle, and additional law enforcement personnel responded to assist at the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol remained at the crash site as of approximately 11:05 p.m.
While the injuries were described as serious, initial reports suggested they were not believed to be life-threatening. The current conditions of the individuals involved have not been confirmed.
The circumstances leading up to the accident remain unclear, and no official crash investigation findings have been released.
River News will continue to follow this story as additional information becomes available.
