FULTON COUNTY, Ohio — A sudden burst of severe weather is being blamed for a multi-vehicle crash that shut down a section of the Ohio Turnpike for several hours Thursday afternoon.
The crash happened just before 2 p.m. on June 26 in the westbound lanes near milepost 43 in Fulton Township. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Swanton Post, six vehicles — including four semi tractor-trailers — were traveling west when high winds swept through the area.
The gusts were strong enough to overturn all four semis, one of which came to rest on top of two passenger vehicles.
Two truck drivers were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Marzette Johnson, 62, of Richmond Heights, Ohio, was transported to Fulton County Health Center. Ray Simmons, 58, of Decatur, Michigan, was taken to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo.
In addition to the crash, the overturned semis caused a significant diesel fuel spill along the roadside. The Ohio EPA responded to the scene to manage the environmental cleanup.
Westbound lanes were closed for approximately three hours, with traffic detoured off the Turnpike at the Toledo Airport/State Route 2 exit. The road has since reopened.
Emergency crews from Swanton, Delta, the Ohio Turnpike Maintenance Department, and Bubba’s Towing all assisted at the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to use extra caution when traveling during severe weather.
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