OHIO — Traffic on Interstate 71 southbound near Lebanon is moving slowly Wednesday morning after a series of crashes has caused major backups for several hours in Warren County.
According to dispatchers, the first crash happened around 1:30 a.m. and involved a sedan and a semitruck. Two people were taken to the hospital, though officials have not released the extent of their injuries.
Authorities said the semitruck also spilled diesel fuel onto the roadway, prompting a lengthy cleanup effort.
While crews were responding to that crash, another semitruck struck a fire engine at the scene. Officials said no injuries were reported in that incident.
A third crash later occurred on the Interstate 71 southbound ramp from State Route 48. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office said two semitrucks collided, causing an oil spill. No injuries were reported, but crews had to bring in a tow truck to remove the damaged trucks.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crashes and coordinating cleanup efforts with the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Officials said the left lane of I-71 southbound was reopened, allowing traffic to begin moving again, though significant delays remained Wednesday morning.
