WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio (WCMH) – Multiple overnight crashes, including one involving two semi-trucks in a construction zone, caused the closure of Interstate 71 North in Ohio, with over eight hours of gridlock traffic.
According to drivers at the scene, people were stuck on Interstate 71 North, beginning at State Route 38, through U.S. Route 62, between approximately 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night, going on eight hours, due to several crashes.
Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Multiple crashes on I-71 North near the Pickaway and Madison County border have caused hours of delays. (Courtesy/Ohio Department of Transportation)
NBC4 traffic anchor Kristine Varkony said two semi-trucks crashed in a construction zone crashed 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 was located nearby on the highway.
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 have been hospitalized from each crash, but there are no reported fatalities.
One woman returning from Kings Island amusement park with her three children were stuck in traffic since 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 be conserving their gas. A lot of cars have been turned off,” said Taylor Dempsey, who added that her family has water, but no food and everyone is need of a restroom.
Those who were able to maneuver on the highway were detoured to SR-38 heading southeast, to U.S. 62, through Mount Sterling towards Grove City in Franklin County. Varkony says the detour could take up to an hour of extra drive time.
The interstate reopened at 6:50 a.m., ending the closure after 8 hours and 20 minutes.