SPRINGFIELD, Clark County, Ohio, Oct. 29, 2026 — A Springfield man died on Thursday morning, October 29, when a semi-truck left Interstate 70 East in Clark County and struck a tree.
The crash happened around 5:10 a.m. near mile marker 64 on I-70 East. A preliminary investigation found that Dennis Allen Ault, 61, of Springfield, was driving a 2016 International Prostar tractor-trailer when the truck went off the right side of the road and into a tree line.
Troopers said Ault was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway patrol has not released a cause for the crash.
The eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed for about an hour and a half while crews worked the scene. Responders included the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Clark County Sheriff's Office, Harmony Twp. Fire and EMS, Springfield Twp. Fire and EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, CareFlight and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
More on Crashes in Springfield, OH
This fatal crash happened on Interstate 70 in Springfield, OH. We cover crashes across Clark County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Clark County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes like this most frequently happen?
A large share of fatal crashes occur on highways and interstates, where higher speeds reduce the time drivers have to react to a vehicle leaving its lane.
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal?
Speed, vehicle size, and whether occupants are restrained all affect outcomes. Collisions involving large trucks usually carry greater risk of serious injury or death because of the weight difference between vehicles.
How does speed affect the chances of surviving a crash?
Higher speeds increase the force of impact and shorten the time available to avoid or lessen a collision, which raises the likelihood of serious or fatal injury.
Why does seat belt use matter in crashes like this?
A seat belt keeps an occupant from being thrown inside or outside the vehicle during a crash, which lowers the risk of fatal injury in a rollover or collision with a fixed object.
