Two Kentucky women were killed Wednesday afternoon after a horrific three-vehicle accident, involving two semi-trucks, along southbound Interstate 71 in Boone County. The truck accident, involving two tractor trailers and a vehicle, occurred on the south side of the Walton-Verona exit near mile marker 73 on I-71.

According to police officers, the occupants of a Chevrolet Impala were killed on impact. The victims have been identified as 53-year-old Lynne Whatley, of Irwin, Ohio, and 53-year-old Debra Kleiber, of Plain City, Ohio.

Reports of the truck accident detail that the Impala was traveling northbound and lost control, causing it to slide through the median and collide with a southbound semi hauling masonite. This forced the car back into the median and the semi jack-knifed and ripped out nearly 100 feet of guardrail. The semi was being driven by 63-year-old Herbert Green. He sustained minor injuries in the crash and was not sent to the hospital for medical attention.

Following the first collision, another semi was unable to stop in time and collided with the rear of the first truck. The driver of this truck was identified as 62-year-old James Guenther. The semi was hauling molasses at the time of the crash.

After the crash, both lanes of Interstate 71 were closed for an extended period of time. Since then, all lanes have been opened.

Police are still investigating this truck accident and are asking anyone with information about the crash or witnesses to call the Boone County Sheriff's office.

Source: WCPO ABC 9 "2 people dead in crash on 1-71 in N.Ky." 08/11/2010