Medical Episode Leads to Crash Into Utility Pole, Woman Dragged From Car Just Before Fire

A vehicle burns behind a broken utility pole on 31W in an accident today.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
A Smiths Grove woman was dragged from a wrecked car moments before it burst into flames after a crash today on 31W in Edmonson County.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement was called to the scene of a crash in the 17000 block of Louisville Road at 2:19PM to the report of a car on fire that had crashed into a utility pole and overturned.

Law enforcement said Karen Johnson, (56) of Smiths Grove, was traveling north in a 2012 Chevy Impala when she apparently suffered a diabetic medical episode. Johnson's car left the roadway, struck a utility pole and overturned completely, landing upright in the grass. 

Scene of a fiery crash on Louisville Road, June 16, 2025.

Scene of a fiery crash on Louisville Road, June 16, 2025.

The Sheriff's Office stated that a nearby resident, Jakob Maynard, pulled Mrs. Johnson out of the car moments before it burst into flames.

Law enforcement said she was treated for non life-threatening injuries and diabetes-related issues before transporting her to the hospital in Bowling Green.

Scene of a fiery crash on Louisville Road, June 16, 2025.

Scene of a fiery crash on Louisville Road, June 16, 2025.

Scene of a fiery crash on Louisville Road, June 16, 2025.

Scene of a fiery crash on Louisville Road, June 16, 2025.

In addition to the Sheriff's Office, the Rocky Hill, Chalybeate, and Brownsville Fire Departments also responded to the scene, along with Edmonson EMS and Warren RECC.