At least one person has died and traffic on the Ohio Turnpike has come to a near-standstill following a series of crashes involving seven semis.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes Shut Down Ohio Turnpike
According to reports, the first crash happened in Fulton Country around 8:15 last night at mile marker 33.8. Three semis somehow crashed, backing up traffic. No injuries were reported as a result of this crash.
The second crash reportedly happened as a result of the backup from the first crash around 8:50 p.m. at mile marker 32. A semi crashed into a tanker hauling 3,000 gallons liquid hydrogen, which was then pushed into two other trucks. One person died in this crash. It is unclear if other people were injured.
Liquid Hydrogen Fire Burns Through The Night
The tanker caught fire as a result of the crash. The fire continued to burn through the night into the morning.
The EPA is on the scene. Officials considered evacuating a one mile radius around the crash, but it does not appear that anyone has been evacuated. Transportation authorities are advising people to avoid the area.
Traffic has been diverted off the Ohio Turnpike at Exit 34 for State Rt. 108 near Wauseon and Exit 25 for State Rt. 66 near Archibald.
The cause of the crashes is still under investigation.
#BREAKING: @OhioTurnpike remains closed in Fulton Co. b/c of deadly crash. Semi w/liquid hydrogen still burning. pic.twitter.com/hsJ5cfqlxk
— Joe Stoll (@JoeStollWTOL) June 24, 2016
Sources:
Tucson News Now
The Toledo Blade
The Crescent-News