Jefferson Township, OH (March 26, 2026) – A serious two-vehicle crash occurred on Wednesday, March 25, around 12:32 p.m. on Interstate 71 near mile marker 163, leaving several people injured.
According to initial reports, a 2023 Freightliner box truck was traveling northbound in the right lane when it veered onto the shoulder and struck a parked 2021 Toyota RAV4. The SUV was occupied by Harold Merz, 73, and Brenda Merz, 75, both from Westerville.
Harold Merz was removed from the vehicle and flown to Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus for treatment. Brenda Merz was taken by ambulance to OhioHealth Mansfield with injuries that were not life-threatening. A passenger in the truck, Gregory Medlen, was also transported to the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The truck driver, Zachary Krysler, 39, of North Royalton, suffered minor injuries and was not taken to the hospital. Traffic on Interstate 71 was temporarily shut down but has since reopened.
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 those injured as they receive medical care.
What Factors Can Lead to Shoulder Crashes on Highways?
Highway shoulder crashes often happen when a vehicle drifts out of its lane. This can be caused by driver fatigue, distraction, or sudden medical issues. Even a brief lapse in attention can cause a vehicle to leave the roadway.
Parked vehicles on the shoulder may be there due to breakdowns or emergencies. While the shoulder provides a buffer from moving traffic, it can still be dangerous, especially on busy highways at high speeds.
Visibility also affects these crashes. Drivers may not notice a stopped vehicle in time, particularly if traffic is heavy or weather conditions are poor. In some cases, limited reaction time can make it harder to avoid a collision once a vehicle has already left its lane.
