BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, Ohio - First responders from several fire departments were dispatched Friday morning to what first was reported as a hit-and-run traffic accident involving three vehicles in Bristol Township, Trumbull County.

It was reported as a head-on crash along State Route 45 between State Route 88 and Bristol Champion Townline Road around 6:30 a.m.

What troopers now tell 21 News is that a third vehicle was never involved in the crash and did not flee the scene, so there is currently no BOLO for a dark vehicle with a damaged headlight. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said Janet Kniseley, 55, of North Bloomfield, was driving southbound on SR 45 in an orange 2005 Nissan Murano.

Michael Smeltzer, 30, of Warren, was driving northbound on SR 45 in a 2002 black Toyota Camry.

They said Mr. Smeltzer lost control of his Toyota Camry, went left of center and spun into the southbound lane of SR 45. Mr. Smeltzer’s vehicle was then struck by Mrs. Kniseley’s Nissan Murano.

Mr. Smeltzer was taken to Trumbull Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The front passenger, Amy Smeltzer, 29, of Warren, was taken to Trumbull Memorial Hospital in critical condition, according to troopers. 

She was later taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown.

Mrs. Kniseley was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Troopers say snow and slush-covered the road at the time, but it is unclear if the weather was the primary cause of the crash. 

Route 45 was closed in the area until just before 9 a.m. that troopers said was covered by slush and snow.

Both Mr. And Mrs. Smeltzer were not wearing seat belts.

Bristol Township Fire/EMS Department, Champion Township EMS, Bazetta Township EMS, Trumbull County Sheriff’s Department, and ODOT assisted at the crash scene.

Troopers said through investigation and witness statements, it has been determined a third vehicle was not involved in the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.