Mifflin Township, OH (July 28, 2026) – Two people standing along Interstate 71 were injured early Sunday, July 26, after an SUV left the roadway and struck a vehicle parked on the shoulder in Mifflin Township.
The crash happened just before 12:30 a.m. near mile marker 173. According to investigators, a southbound SUV driven by a 36-year-old Cleveland man traveled off the left side of the interstate and crashed into a sedan that was stopped on the shoulder. The impact pushed the sedan into a tow truck parked in front of it and struck two people who were standing outside the tow truck.
A 28-year-old Mansfield resident suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. A 38-year-old Mansfield resident standing nearby was also injured, though the severity of those injuries was not released. A 24-year-old person from Stow, who was inside the parked sedan, was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.
The SUV driver and the second person outside the tow truck were treated at the scene. The incident remains under investigation by authorities.
We extend our thoughts to the injured and wish them a swift recovery.
Why Roadside Incidents on Interstate Shoulders Can Be Especially Hazardous
Interstate shoulders are intended for emergencies, but they remain close to fast-moving traffic. People outside their vehicles have little protection if another vehicle leaves its lane or departs the roadway. Visibility, lighting conditions, and traffic speed can all influence how quickly drivers recognize stopped vehicles ahead.
Investigators reviewing these crashes may examine tire marks, vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and the final positions of the vehicles involved. Witness statements, traffic camera footage, and other physical evidence can help establish the sequence of events and provide a clearer understanding of how the collision occurred.
