Share and Follow

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio (WCMH) – Multiple overnight crashes, including one involving two semitrailers in a construction zone, caused the closure of Interstate 71 North and over eight hours of gridlock traffic in Ohio.

Due to several crashes, people were stuck on Interstate 71 North beginning at State Route 38, and extending through U.S. Route 62 for about eight hours, from 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday night, according to drivers at the scene.

Two semi-trucks crashed in a construction zone in a tight corridor at the Madison and Pickaway county lines on I-71 North. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said a second crash involving a box truck and a car took place on the highway nearby.

Crews were reportedly having a difficult time clearing a path from the crashes due to the narrow lanes and no shoulder, resulting in a lack of space to operate. The OSHP said two people were hospitalized from each crash, but there were no reported fatalities.

One woman returning from Kings Island amusement park with her three children was stuck in traffic from the time the crash occurred.

“Cars are kind of turning off and on to cool down the car, get some air, but everyone seems to be kind of conserving their gas. A lot of cars have been turned off,” said Taylor Dempsey, who added that her family had water, but no food, and everyone needed a restroom.

Those who were able to maneuver on the highway were detoured southeast, through Mount Sterling towards Grove City in Franklin County. Kristine Varkony, the traffic correspondent for Nexstar’s WCMH, said the detour could take up to an hour to get drivers back on track.

The interstate reopened at 6:50 a.m., ending the closure after eight hours and 20 minutes.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Kansas woman's abduction caught on camera, police say

Kansas Abduction Captured on Video: Police Investigate Shocking Incident

Content Advisory: This article includes graphic images or videos that could be…
Biden, Blinken take credit for groundwork behind Trump’s Gaza ceasefire deal

Biden and Blinken Claim Key Role in Laying Groundwork for Trump’s Gaza Ceasefire Success

Former President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Antony Blinken both…
NY Attorney General Letitia James endorses Zohran Mamdani

New York Attorney General Letitia James Announces Support for Zohran Mamdani

With the mayoral election looming just weeks away, the Democratic candidate Zohran…
Mark Sanchez career at crossroads after stabbing incident: PR expert

PR Expert Analyzes Mark Sanchez’s Career Trajectory Following Stabbing Incident

() A public relations expert says Mark Sanchez’s career now faces a…
Blue city street takeover suspects torched police cruiser in 'hell-bent' attack on cops: union chief

Suspects in Urban Street Takeover Allegedly Set Police Cruiser Ablaze in Intentional Attack, Claims Union Chief

Fox News articles are now available for audio listening! The president of…
Mark Sanchez, FOX face civil lawsuit together

Mark Sanchez and FOX Named Co-Defendants in Civil Lawsuit

INDIANAPOLIS — When Mark Sanchez emerged from the Adult Detention Center Sunday…
There's 'great fear on part of many people' in NYC: Bill O'Reilly

Bill O’Reilly Claims Trump’s Global Influence Skyrockets by 1000% Amid Political Shifts

() Bill O’Reilly believes President Trump’s role in securing a peace deal…
Trump's Gaza deal hanging by a thread as Hamas 'plays tricks'

Trump’s Gaza Peace Deal Under Siege: How Hamas Tactics Threaten Stability

During a whirlwind tour of the Middle East, Donald Trump announced on…