2 people dead in crash on I-71 in N.Ky.

WALTON, Ky. - Two women are dead after a horrific three-vehicle crash along southbound I-71 in Boone County Wednesday afternoon.

The accident, which involved two tractor trailers and a  car, happened south of the Walton-Verona exit near mile marker 73.

The Boone County Sheriff's Office says the victims in the Chevrolet Impala were deceased on impact.  The women are identified as 53-year-old Lynne Whatley of Irwin, Ohio and 53-year-old Debra Kleiber of Plain City, Ohio.

Officials say the car was traveling northbound when the driver lost control, slid through the median and collided with a southbound semi hauling masonite. The impact forced the car back into the median. The semi jack-knifed and took out over 100-feet guardrail. That semi was driven by 63-year-old Herbert Green of Salisbury, North Carolina. He sustained minor injuries and did not go to the hospital.

Another semi hauling molasses was unable to stop in time and collided in the rear of the other truck, according to investigators. The driver of that semi is identified as 62-year-old James Guenther of Ross, Ohio.

All lanes north and southbound have reopened.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed any part of the accident to call the Boone County Sheriff's Department at (859)334-2175

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