STONY RIDGE, Wood County, Ohio, Nov. 9, 2026 — A 56-year-old semi-truck driver died on Saturday night, November 7, after his truck struck a construction excavator on a closed section of State Route 420 near Stony Ridge, according to the Wood County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office said deputies were called to the scene on S.R. 420 between S.R. 163 and Truman Road in Troy Township around 8:08 p.m. The road was closed for construction work at the time.
A preliminary investigation found that the driver, identified by the sheriff's office as a 56-year-old man from Jordan, Minnesota, was driving a semi-tractor without a trailer and went around road-closure signs into the work zone. His truck, traveling in the left lane, reportedly struck a parked excavator positioned to protect a cut in the roadway. The semi then left the road on the left side and stopped in the median.
The driver did not appear to be wearing a seat belt, according to the sheriff's office, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said they do not suspect impairment played a role in the crash. The case remains under investigation.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
More on Crashes in Stony Ridge, OH
This truck crash happened on State Route 420 in Stony Ridge, Ohio. We cover crashes across Wood County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Wood County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a truck's blind spots and why do they matter?
Large trucks have wide blind spots along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and close to the front of the cab. Vehicles or equipment in these zones may not be visible to the driver, which can contribute to crashes, especially in construction zones or tight spaces.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully beneath a truck or trailer during a collision. These crashes can cause severe injuries because the smaller vehicle's safety structure may not make contact with the truck in the way it's designed to.
What are common causes of large-truck accidents?
Causes cited in truck crash investigations commonly include driver fatigue, distraction, mechanical failure, roadway hazards, and entering restricted or closed areas such as active work zones.
How can drivers share the road with trucks safely?
Giving trucks extra following distance, avoiding lingering in blind spots, and obeying posted road closures and construction signage can lower the chance of a serious collision.
