MEDIA RLEASE__At approximately 6:48 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, the Hancock County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle, head-on injury crash in the 21000 block of State Route 235 in Orange Township. 

Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2009 black Mitsubishi, driven by Caiden Helms, was traveling southbound on State Route 235 when it crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2023 Cadillac, driven by Kathy Elsass, head-on. 

Following the collision, Kathy Elsass's vehicle caught fire, and she was initially trapped inside. She was pulled from the vehicle by a passing good Samaritan before it became fully engulfed in flames. 

Caiden Helms was transported to St. Rita's Medical Center, and Kathy Elsass was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital. Both sustained injuries of unknown severity. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. 

The crash remains under investigation.

Agencies assisting at the scene included the Bluffton Fire Department, Bluffton EMS, Hancock County EMA, R&A Towing, and Flag City Towing.