On the morning of January 27, 2024, a tanker truck accident in Northfield Center Township, Ohio, led to the death of the driver and significant environmental and infrastructural impact.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m., as 31-year-old Jason Thomas Stevens of Ashtabula, driving the tanker truck, attempted to merge onto Interstate 271 North from State Route 8.
The truck, carrying approximately 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel, lost control, going over the side of the bridge and landing on the road below, bursting into flames.
The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Stevens as the driver and ruled his death as accidental, resulting from multiple blunt force injuries. No other casualties have been reported.
The crash led to extensive road closures and substantial traffic disruptions. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) indicated that the tanker landed on the southbound lane of State Route 8.
As of the evening of January 27, sections of Route 8, along with the on-ramp and exit overpasses to and from Interstate 271, remained closed for an undetermined period.
ODOT, in conjunction with the Macedonia Fire Department, undertook investigations and inspections to determine when it would be safe to reopen these routes.
Environmental concerns were raised following the accident, as diesel fuel from the tanker leaked into the nearby Brandywine Creek, causing a brief fire. Absorbent dikes were placed by HAZMAT teams to halt the spread of fuel.
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials and response crews were actively involved in containing the spill and excavating impacted soil to ensure the health and safety of residents and waterways.
As of the time of reporting, the crash remains under investigation by the Summit Metro Crash Team. Initial inspections of the ramp from Interstate 271 to State Route 8 and the flyover ramp carrying State Route 8 northbound to Interstate 271 northbound did not reveal immediate structural concerns, but more detailed assessments were planned.
The Summit County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies involved emphasized that safety remains the top priority, with traffic expected to be heavily impacted for several days.
ODOT also highlighted the need for immediate repairs to the Route 8 bridge over Brandywine Creek, necessitating removal of the top layer of the bridge and resurfacing.
The repair plan, including detailed inspections of the I-271 southbound ramp to Route 8 and the ramp carrying northbound Route 8 to northbound I-271, was to be completed by early the following week. Weather challenges could affect these projected timelines.
Motorists were advised to expect delays and use posted detours while closures remained in place.