MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Late Friday night, a tragic single-vehicle accident involving a tractor-trailer occurred on Interstate 71 just north of the State Route 97 exit, claiming the life of the truck’s driver. According to the Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash was reported around 11:53 p.m.
Upon arrival at the scene, troopers found the tractor-trailer engulfed in flames after veering off the road. Preliminary investigation indicates the unidentified semi-truck, whose make and model remain unknown, was traveling northbound on I-71 when it suddenly left the roadway, struck a guardrail and light pole, and continued down a steep embankment. The truck then overturned and caught fire.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the Richland County Coroner’s Office. Authorities have not released the driver’s identity, pending confirmation and notification of next of kin.
Multiple local emergency services, including the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville Police Department, Washington Township Fire and EMS, Troy Township Fire, Mansfield Fire and EMS, and Jefferson Fire and EMS, responded to assist in the incident.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.