Driver indicted in triple-fatal crash in Hamilton County
Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers recently announced the indictment of Andrew Blankenship for a triple-fatal accident that occurred April 7 on Interstate 275.
Blankenship was indicted for six counts of aggravated vehicular homicide (F2/F3) and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault (F3/F4). If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum possible sentence of 27 years in prison.
On April 7 around 9:30 p.m., Blankenship was operating a 2003 Dodge Dakota traveling eastbound on I-275. Multiple witnesses alleged that Blankenship was traveling between 90-100 mph, without headlights and erratically changing lanes – including passing vehicles on the shoulder.
At the 70.6 mile marker, two vehicles and a tow truck were stopped in the right shoulder. J.G. was operating a 2002 Dodge Stratus that had become disabled. She had one passenger in her vehicle. Both J.G. and her passenger were outside of the vehicle.
R.G. was operating a 2015 Lexus and was pulled over behind J.G. R.G. was in his vehicle. HE had stopped to aid the J.G. with their disabled vehicle.
K.S. was operating a AAA tow truck. He was kneeling near the right front tire of the Stratus.
Blankenship allegedly entered the right shoulder at a high rate of speed, striking the Lexus occupied by R.G. The force from the accident pushed the Lexus into the Stratus and the Stratus into the tow truck.
R.G. had to be mechanically extricated from the vehicle and succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital.
J.G. was struck and killed. Her passenger was struck and seriously injured.
K.S. was struck and killed. At the time of the incident, the AAA truck warning lights were on, and K.S. was wearing high-visibility reflective clothing.
Blankenship then lost control of his vehicle, causing it to flip onto its roof. Bystanders attempted to render aid to all involved, including cutting Blankenship loose from his vehicle and removing him.
Subsequent investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department determined Blankenship was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.