(Union, KY) - On Monday at 10:50 p.m. a two vehicle traffic collision on U.S. Highway 42 near the 10,600 block just north of Hicks Pike in Union, Kentucky claimed the life of one of the drivers and sent the other driver to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
A 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, operated by Bennett Allen III, 22, of Union, Kentucky, was traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 42 and for an unknown reason at this time crossed the center line into the opposing eastbound lane of traffic. Allen then struck a 2015 Jeep Compass, operated by Teresa Taylor-Lanigan, 43, of Union, Kentucky, who was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 42.
After striking Taylor-Lanigan’s vehicle, Allen’s vehicle was redirected and exited the roadway on the southbound side of the road. Allen was pronounced deceased at the scene by Union Fire/EMS. Taylor-Langian was transported St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Florence, Kentucky by ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Unit is handling the investigation. No charges have been filed at this time. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the collision. Speed and rain/wet roadways are suspected factors in the collision. Next of kin have been notified.
U.S. Highway 42 was closed for approximately three (3) hours however the roadway has since reopened.