Marion County Highway Worker Injured in Road Patching Incident

Employee treated for minor injuries after falling into moving car on Walnut Hill Road

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A Marion County Highway Department employee was treated at a local hospital for apparent minor injuries after falling into the side of a moving car while filling a pothole on Walnut Hill Road. The driver of the red SUV that struck the worker stopped briefly but then proceeded on, and authorities are now seeking to speak with that driver as part of their investigation.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks that highway workers face while performing routine road maintenance, and the importance of drivers being alert and cautious when approaching work crews. It also raises questions about safety protocols and whether additional measures could be taken to protect workers in such situations.

The details

55-year-old William Marcum was working as part of a two-man crew filling potholes on Walnut Hill Road near Oniontown Road when the incident occurred. Marcum lost his footing and fell into the side of a passing red SUV, sustaining minor injuries. The driver of the SUV stopped briefly to check on Marcum but then continued on. Marion County authorities are now seeking to speak with the driver as part of their investigation.

  • The incident occurred just before 10 AM on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Marcum was treated at Salem Township Hospital following the incident.

The players

William Marcum

A 55-year-old Marion County Highway Department employee who was injured in the road patching incident.

Alex Kreke

The Marion County Highway Engineer who stated the patching crew was working with a truck, lights, and signage when the incident occurred.

Marion County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident and seeking to speak with the driver of the red SUV that struck Marcum.

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What they’re saying

“The driver of the red SUV is asked to get in contact with the department.”

— Marion County Sheriff's Department

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of driver awareness and caution when approaching highway work crews, as well as the need for robust safety protocols to protect road maintenance workers from such hazards. It also highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in investigating hit-and-run incidents and the importance of the public's cooperation in such cases.