MARCH 13, 2015
STREETSBORO, OHIO
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal truck
crash and fire along the Ohio Turnpike in Portage County.
It happened just after 3 a.m. Friday in the eastbound
lanes of the Turnpike at mile post 187 near State Route 8.
The eastbound lanes of the Turnpike were closed for hours,
but as of 7:30 a.m., the left lane had reopened to traffic.
Alert Update: #OHTPK is no longer diverting EB traffic off @
Exit-180, & now has the left lane open @ MP 187.1 (Portage Co).
— Ohio Turnpike (@OhioTurnpike) March 13, 2015
“For unknown reasons at this point in time, he drifted off
the right side of the roadway,” said Staff Lt. Jim Sivak, Assistant District
Commander with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “He struck the guard rail area
which caused him to overturn.”
That’s when the truck caught fire, Sivak said.
The driver, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead
at the scene.
Most likely, the driver fell asleep at the wheel as it often happens at 3:00 am on Friday's when drivers are trying to make their deliveries to the major cities or other areas of destination.