Shawnee Township, OH (March 1, 2026) – Two people lost their lives Saturday evening, February 28, after a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles on I-75 just north of Cridersville.
The collision happened around 8:15 p.m. when a northbound 2017 Great Dane semi truck approached traffic that had slowed on the interstate. Authorities said the driver, Yvio Michel, 53, did not maintain a safe distance and struck four passenger vehicles and another semi truck.
Vehicles involved included a 2015 Buick Enclave driven by Amanda Gipson, 45; a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse driven by Kayla Route, 28; a 2022 Ford F-150 driven by Ronald Foley, 58; a 2014 Mazda CX-9 driven by Cynthia Harter, 66; and a 2017 Wabash semi truck driven by Jason Ford, 46.
Hurshel Gipson, 52, and the couple’s 11-year-old son, both passengers in the Buick, were pronounced dead at the scene. Amanda Gipson and Route were taken to Mercy Health–St. Rita’s Medical Center with serious injuries. Michel and Foley were taken to Lima Memorial Health System with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Harter and Ford were evaluated at the scene and later cleared.
Northbound lanes of I-75 were closed for about five hours while crews worked to clear the roadway. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Multi-Vehicle Crashes Occur on Busy Highways
Crashes involving several vehicles frequently begin when traffic slows or stops unexpectedly. On highways like I-75, drivers may not have enough time to react if they are following too closely or traveling at higher speeds.
Large trucks require more distance to stop due to their weight and size. When a semi truck strikes a passenger vehicle, the force can push that vehicle into others, creating a chain reaction. This type of crash can involve cars in multiple lanes within seconds.
Highway collisions often lead to extended road closures while damaged vehicles are removed and debris is cleared. In many cases, medical evaluations vary from minor injuries to more severe harm, depending on where each vehicle was positioned at the time of impact.
