CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ohio Highway Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle fire that occurred on Route 207 near Cattail Road in Ross County.
The incident happened on March 3, around 2:56 PM, when a 2009 Honda Element, driven by Timothy R. Landman, 62, of New Holland, was traveling south on Route 207. The vehicle, authorities say, abruptly stoped in the roadway as flames engulfed the passenger compartment.
Troopers say that Mr. Landman managed to exit the vehicle, but his passenger, Linda J. Stinson, 82, also of New Holland, became trapped inside.
The patrol reported that a bystander, Matthew I. French, 51, of Chillicothe, noticed the vehicle and helped rescue Ms. Stinson out of the vehicle before emergency responders arrived.
Both Mr. Landman and Ms. Stinson sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for treatment by MedFlight.
Mr. French, meanwhile, was transported by Green Township EMS to Adena Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.
Ms. Stinson succumbed to her injuries as a result of the fire.
The roadway remained closed for approximately two hours during the investigation.