OHIO — A major crash involving a tanker truck has shut down Interstate 271 in both directions from I-71 in Medina County to I-77 in Summit County, creating significant traffic impacts Wednesday morning.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), a tanker carrying ethanol overturned in the northbound lanes around 4 a.m. Hazmat teams, along with fire and police personnel, responded to the scene and began containment procedures.
The driver of the tanker was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, according to the Medina County Office of Emergency Management. Officials noted there is no immediate danger to the public.
As of 10:45 a.m., the interstate remained fully closed. ODOT said there is “no estimated time of reopening” and urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes. A post from ODOT’s North Central Ohio District 3 indicated the closure is expected to last “a majority of the day.”
ODOT first announced the shutdown shortly before 5 a.m.
“We appreciate the public’s patience as crews work diligently to secure the area and ensure the safety of everyone involved,” said Lt. Johnathon Tibbs. “Our top priority is containing the spill, protecting the community, and reopening the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so.”
