Ashland Co, OH (August 20, 2025) – Two people were injured Tuesday morning in a three-vehicle collision on Interstate 71 in Ashland County after a semi-truck veered off the roadway and struck two pickup trucks, according to the Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred around 7:37 AM at the 180-mile marker in the northbound lanes. Authorities say a 2024 Freightliner day cab semi, driven by 46-year-old Daniel Keesey of Worthington, was hauling approximately 50,000 pounds of alcoholic beverages when it went off the right side of the highway.
At the time of the crash, a 2003 Ford F-550, driven by 36-year-old Dominique Granger of Mansfield, had stopped on the shoulder to assist a juvenile driver whose pickup and trailer had become disabled. As the two worked on the disabled trailer, the Freightliner struck the left side of it, then collided with Granger’s truck and trailer. The force of the impact nearly split the Ford F-550 in half before the semi came to rest in a roadside ditch.
Granger and the juvenile were both transported to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Keesey was not injured in the crash. Authorities confirmed that drugs and alcohol were not contributing factors, but Keesey was cited for a marked lanes violation.
Ashland Fire Department, Mifflin EMS, and Ohio State Highway Patrol all responded to the scene and assisted in the investigation and cleanup efforts.
We wish both injured individuals a full and swift recovery.
Truck-Involved Collisions on Ohio Interstates
Crashes involving semi-trucks on major highways like I-71 often result in serious injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. In this case, the Freightliner was transporting nearly 25 tons of cargo when it left its lane and struck vehicles parked on the shoulder—a scenario that could have been far more tragic.
Shoulder stops, especially on high-speed interstates, are inherently dangerous—even when drivers are assisting others. Ohio drivers are reminded that stopping on the shoulder should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and that extreme caution is required when exiting or standing outside of a vehicle near moving traffic.
While the two victims in this crash sustained non-life-threatening injuries, the physical and emotional toll of such a violent impact—particularly for those outside their vehicles—can result in long-term consequences, including trauma, chronic pain, and financial burdens from medical care or time off work.
Under Ohio law, those injured in crashes caused by commercial vehicle drivers may be eligible for compensation beyond basic insurance coverage, especially when negligence, such as marked lane violations, is confirmed.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s swift response, along with EMS from Ashland and Mifflin, ensured timely medical attention and scene control. However, this incident reinforces the need for increased vigilance from both commercial drivers and everyday motorists, particularly during roadside emergencies.
If you or someone you know was injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, it’s critical to secure medical care and legal support as early as possible to protect your recovery and your rights.
Being hit by a semi-truck is a life-altering event—but you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. At Local Accident Reports, we help injured victims access trusted medical resources, insurance support, and legal guidance when it matters most. Contact Local Accident Reports today and take the first step toward recovery with a team that understands what you’re facing.
