Adams County, OH (September 8, 2026) – A teenage driver and a garbage truck driver were seriously injured in two related crashes early on Monday, September 7, on State Route 32 near Lawshe Road in Meigs Township. The crashes happened around 3:30 a.m.
A 17-year-old boy was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer westbound when the SUV ran off the right side of the roadway. The driver swerved back across the median, causing the SUV to roll several times before coming to rest in the eastbound lanes.
Moments later, an eastbound Rumpke garbage truck struck the Chevrolet while it was stopped in the roadway. The impact spun the SUV before the garbage truck crossed the median, traveled through the westbound lanes, and struck a guardrail.
The teen driver was flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with serious injuries. The garbage truck driver was taken to Adams County Regional Hospital with serious injuries. The crashes remain under investigation.
Our thoughts are with both drivers.
Safety Concerns When Vehicles Stop in Active Traffic Lanes
A vehicle stopped in a travel lane can create a serious hazard, particularly on roads where traffic is moving at higher speeds. Drivers approaching a stopped vehicle may have little time to react or change lanes safely.
Drivers should remain alert for unexpected obstacles and maintain enough space to respond to sudden hazards. At night or in low-visibility conditions, reducing speed and watching for vehicles stopped ahead can provide additional reaction time.
