UNITY TOWNSHIP — Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Lisbon Post 15 are investigating a three-vehicle commercial crash occurring at 2:46 p.m. Friday in Unity Township.

Matthew Bertolette, 39, of Columbiana was operating a Western Star (commercial) semi-truck and trailer eastbound on state Route 165. Ashley Irizarry, 35, of East Palestine was operating a 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, traveling westbound on SR 165. Sela Guy, 20, of East Palestine was operating a 2023 Kia Sportage, traveling westbound on SR 165.

According to a OSHP release, Bertolette stated he was distracted and traveled left of center, striking Irizarry head-on. Irizarry slid backward and struck Guy. Irizarry’s vehicle became trapped underneath Bertolette’s semi-truck. She was extracted from the vehicle by members of responding fire departments and EMS. She was transported by STAT MedEvac with life-threatening injuries to Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Hospital inYoungstown. Guy and Bertolette were not injured. According to the release, neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be factors in the crash.

Assisting agencies at the scene included East Palestine Fire Dept. and EMS, New Waterford Fire Dept. and EMS, Springfield Township Fire and Rescue Dept., Chippewa Township, Pennsylvania Fire and Rescue Dept. and STAT MedEvac.

The OSHP reminds drivers of the dangers of distracted driving and encourages all drivers to keep their attention to the roadway and surroundings.