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Marion – Troopers from the Marion Patrol Post are investigating a double fatal car crash. Troopers received the call at 9:33pm on November 21, 2022, of a vehicle crashed in a pond on Whetstone River Rd. and Roberts Rd. in Claridon Township, Marion County.
A 2009 Honda Odyssey was driven by Cassandra Bautista, age 30, of Caledonia, Ohio. Ms. Bautista travelled southbound on Whetstone River Rd. and went through the intersection of Roberts Rd. without stopping. She continued off the left side of the road where her vehicle struck a small tree and an embankment. The vehicle went airborne and landed on the bank of a pond and then rolled into the pond. Ms. Bautista and her four children ages nine, seven, four, and two were trapped in the water filled vehicle. Deputies, Troopers, fire personnel, and bystanders assisted with removing the five victims trapped inside the vehicle and started life saving efforts.
Ms. Bautista and her children were taken to Marion General Hospital. The two-year-old was pronounced deceased at Marion General Hospital and the four-year-old was pronounced deceased at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The other three occupants were all in critical condition.
All occupants had their seatbelts on and two were in booster seats. The crash remains under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by Marion County Sheriff’s Office, First Consolidated, Pleasant Township, Fort Morrow, Marion Township Fire and EMS, Precision Towing and Ron’s Towing.