Four commercial semi trucks caught in a chain reaction accident, leading to the death of one of the drivers.
According to the Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, just before 1 a.m. Thursday morning, 58-year-old Mark Moore of Goshen, Ohio, was traveling north on 75 just before Findlay when he didn't see a semi stopped in the road and ran into the back of it. The impact caused a chain reaction with two others semi truck and trailers. Moore's semi caught fire shortly after impact and spread to the semi that he initially hit. Moore died from his injuries, two other drivers were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Traffic has been shut down to one lane in that area until the accident can be cleaned up. The State Highway Patrol says all lanes are now back open on I-75.
Media Release from Ohio State Highway Patrol
State Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Commercial Crash
On May 31, 2018 at 1248 A.M., the Findlay Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol received a report of a multiple vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 75 near milepost 153 in Hancock County. Initial reports indicated the crash involved one semi that was fully engulfed. Upon arrival, Troopers discovered the crash involved four commercial motor vehicles and two of them were on fire. Mt. Cory/ Union Twp. Fire department was assisted by Liberty Twp. Fire in extinguishing the commercial vehicles.
Further investigation determined that both northbound lanes had come to a complete stop due to construction work near the US 68 interchange. A northbound semi being driven by Mark S. Moore (58) of Goshen, Ohio failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead and struck a stopped 2015 Freightliner being driven by Leroy A. Bennett (47) of Summerside, Prince Edward Island (Canada). Bennett’s semi was then pushed into the rear of a 2016 Freightliner being driven by Kenneth R. Ezekiel (63) of Greenville, South Carolina which then was pushed into another semi, a 2016 Volvo being driven by William E. Tucker (58) of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. The striking semi immediately caught on fire, spreading flames to the semitrailer being pulled by Mr. Bennett.
Mr. Tucker and Mr. Bennett were transported from the scene to Blanchard Valley Hospital for non-life threatening injuries by Hanco EMS. Mr. Moore suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash and subsequent fire.
The Findlay Post was assisted on scene by Liberty Township Fire, Mt. Cory / Union Township Fire, Hanco EMS, Dick’s Heavy Wrecker Service, Ed’s 24 hour Wrecker Service, Ohio State Highway Patrol Licensing & Commercial Standards Section and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. Alcohol/Drug impairment is not believed to be a factor in this crash. The northbound lanes are being detoured at this time for scene cleanup and roadway repair by ODOT. The crash remains under investigation.
