University Heights Police: Multiple dead from crash after cars catch fire

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio (WOIO) - At least two people were killed and a third person was injured in University Heights after two cars were engulfed in flames following a crash Saturday afternoon.

University Heights police officials said the deadly crash happened on Cedar Road near Brockway Road around 4:30 p.m.

A portion of Cedar Road was blocked to traffic while neighbors stood outside in shock that the cars were burned nearly beyond recognition after striking a telephone pole.

Robert Hairston Sr. lives on Cedar Road and came running outside after hearing the impact.

“It was like a bomb went off,” Hairston said. “There was a guy trying to crawl out through the back window of the muscle car. We helped him get out of the car and they pulled him from in front of the burning car that was in front of my house and pulled him to my neighbor’s yard.”

Nolan Hopkins also lives nearby and was shocked by what he saw, including the motor of one car on the grass, and bumpers and glass that left a trail of debris on the street.

“I heard this big explosion, and I never heard anything like it before,” Hopkins said. “I came outside and saw both cars were completely on fire.”

Witnesses tell 19 News they saw police cars in the area immediately but, it’s unclear if there was an active police chase preceding the crash.

Police said one person found near the scene was injured and taken to a local hospital.

Their current condition is unknown.

Officials said the crash is still under investigation.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

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