Ashland Co., OH (May 18, 2026) – A crash between two semi-trucks on Interstate 71 northbound, just north of the US-30 interchange in Ashland County, sparked a fire and closed much of the roadway on Monday, May 18. The incident was reported at approximately 8 a.m.
A semi-truck was stopped on the right shoulder with a mechanical issue when a second semi traveling northbound veered off the road and struck it. The impact caused the second truck to catch fire. The driver of the disabled semi was taken to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
The driver of the second semi was treated at the scene. Traffic was reduced to a single lane while crews worked the scene, and a detour was set up at US-30. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
Our thoughts are with the injured driver as he recovers.
What Dangers Do Disabled Semi-Trucks on Highway Shoulders Pose in Ohio?
A semi-truck stopped on a highway shoulder presents a serious risk to passing traffic, particularly on high-speed interstates like I-71 in Ohio. Large commercial trucks are difficult to maneuver around quickly, and drivers approaching from behind at highway speeds may not have enough time to react. This risk increases when weather, lighting, or driver fatigue are factors.
When a moving semi strikes a stationary one, the resulting impact can be severe enough to ignite fuel lines or cargo. Fires that follow such crashes can spread quickly and make it harder for emergency crews to reach anyone inside the vehicles. Shoulder breakdowns on busy interstates highlight the importance of emergency flashers, reflective triangles, and keeping a safe following distance from large trucks.
