Lebanon, OH (May 21, 2026) – Two people were taken to a nearby hospital after a series of crashes along Interstate 71 in Warren County early on Wednesday morning, May 20. The collisions happened around 1:30 a.m. on the southbound side of I-71 near mile marker 27 in Union Township.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 2021 Subaru Legacy was heading south when the driver lost control and struck a concrete bridge approach slab. The Subaru then moved back into traffic and collided with a 2024 Peterbilt tractor-double trailer before being struck by a Mack tractor-trailer. The Mack later went off the roadway and hit a guardrail.
Troopers said diesel fuel spilled across the southbound lanes after the Peterbilt was struck in its fuel saddle. Emergency units removed the Subaru driver from the vehicle before the driver and a passenger were taken to Bethesda North Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The Subaru driver was later cited for failing to maintain reasonable control.
About 20 minutes later, a second chain of crashes occurred when a 2024 Mack Anthem tractor-trailer struck a fire engine that had moved into the right lane while crews worked nearby. A separate two-semi wreck later took place in backed-up traffic. No additional people were reported hurt.
The southbound lanes remained shut down for several hours before fully reopening around 8:30 a.m. Further details surrounding the ongoing investigation had not yet been released.
We hope those receiving treatment recover fully and quickly.
Why Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes Lead to Long Traffic Delays
Highway crashes involving multiple large vehicles can cause major traffic disruptions, especially during overnight or early-morning travel. Tractor-trailers require more stopping distance than passenger vehicles, and blocked lanes can quickly cause backups that stretch for miles. Secondary crashes sometimes happen when approaching drivers do not see the stopped traffic in time.
Fuel spills and damaged guardrails can also extend cleanup times because crews must safely remove debris and inspect the roadway before reopening lanes. In some cases, investigators review vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and traffic flow patterns to understand better how each collision unfolded. Bridge structures, lane closures, and limited visibility during nighttime hours may also contribute to longer delays after a serious highway crash.
