A serious incident unfolded in Huron County, on Friday afternoon, when a single-car crash left a 4-year-old girl with severe injuries and prompted urgent discussions about child safety in vehicles. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the accident occurred around 2:50 p.m. Friday on Boughtonville Road near Walnut Road.
Preliminary investigations indicate that 40-year-old Azucena Cuevas was driving a 2009 minivan westbound when she veered off the left side of the road, ultimately colliding with a ditch and a guardrail. Inside the vehicle were three young children—ranging from one to four years old—all of whom were not secured in child safety seats, a critical oversight that has raised concerns among authorities and community members alike.
The crash resulted in the 4-year-old girl sustaining serious injuries, leading to her being airlifted by Medflight to University Hospitals for urgent medical attention. Meanwhile, a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old boy sustained possible injuries and received treatment on the scene. The driver, Cuevas, was wearing her seatbelt and also suffered possible injuries; she was subsequently transported to Mercy Health in Willard for further evaluation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. This unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of the paramount importance of proper safety measures, particularly for the most vulnerable passengers on the road. First responders and medical personnel emphasized the critical need for securing children in appropriate car seats to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, community members are urged to reflect on the essential role of child safety restraints, reinforcing the message that adhering to safety protocols can save lives.