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A semi-truck crashed into the Martin Luther King Drive overpass wall above I-71 in Cincinnati on Sunday evening. Two people inside the truck were rescued after the vehicle became suspended over the interstate. About 200 gallons of diesel fuel spilled during the crash, and several nearby lanes and ramps faced restrictions.
A crash left a semi-truck hanging over I-71 in Avondale Sunday evening.
The crash happened on the Martin Luther King Drive overpass above Interstate 71 around 5 p.m.
Two people inside the truck needed rescue after the vehicle broke through the overpass barrier.
The Cincinnati Fire Department used harnesses to pull both people from the truck’s cabin.
The crash caused a major emergency response and spilled diesel fuel onto the roadway below.
Authorities also closed or restricted several nearby ramps and lanes while crews removed the truck, WLWT reported.
Semi-truck crash damages MLK Drive overpass
Meanwhile, in a report by FOX19, the semi-truck was seen hanging over the I-71 overpass Sunday evening.
Cincinnati Fire Department crews responded to the scene as the truck remained suspended above the highway.
The truck broke through the barrier along the overpass.
Part of the tractor-trailer remained over the interstate after the collision.
The position of the truck created a dangerous situation for the people inside the cab.
First responders had to reach the occupants while the vehicle remained partially over the highway.
Officials have not publicly provided a detailed explanation of what caused the truck to leave the roadway.
About 200 gallons of diesel spilled
The crash also caused a substantial diesel fuel spill on the roadway.
The Cincinnati Fire Department estimated that about 200 gallons of fuel spilled from the truck.
WLWT reported that diesel could be seen leaking from the vehicle while it remained above I-71.
“The trailer of the semi [truck] is empty, they’re not carrying anything. There was no hazardous material in the trailer itself. However, they had about 200 gallons of diesel fuel in their tanks. Both tanks ruptured in the collision and that diesel fuel is leaking down onto the exit ramp below. So, it’s causing quite a bit of hazardous materials work for our firefighters right now,” said Matthew Flagler, assistant chief of Cincinnati Fire Department.
The fuel eventually pooled on the pavement below the overpass.
The spill added another hazard for emergency crews and motorists.
Crews had to manage the fuel while also dealing with the damaged truck and overpass barrier.
Officials have not reported a broader environmental impact from the spill.
The available reports also do not indicate that the fuel reached nearby waterways.
The fuel spill remained part of the emergency response as crews worked to clear the crash.
Authorities will likely provide additional information if investigators determine more about the incident.
Semi-truck crash causes Monday traffic restrictions
The semi-truck crash caused several traffic restrictions around the Martin Luther King Drive overpass.
Some restrictions were expected to remain in place through Monday morning.
According to WLWT, eastbound Martin Luther King Drive was reduced to one lane.
The entrance ramp from Martin Luther King Drive to southbound I-71 also remained closed.
The southbound I-71 exit ramp to William Howard Taft Road was also closed.
Other roads in the area were expected to reopen Sunday night.
The restrictions could affect drivers traveling through Avondale during the morning commute.
Drivers using the MLK Drive and I-71 area were advised to allow additional travel time.
The closures also reflect the damage caused to the overpass barrier.
Transportation crews needed time to inspect the area and determine how to address the damage.
Motorists should check current traffic conditions before traveling through the area.
The Ohio Department of Transportation provides road and traffic information through its OHGO traffic information system.
Truck removed from overpass Sunday night
Crews removed the semi several hours after the crash.
WLWT reported that workers pulled the truck back onto Martin Luther King Drive about three hours after the collision.
The truck was then towed away from the overpass.
Removing the vehicle allowed crews to focus on the damaged roadway and traffic restrictions.
The operation required crews to work carefully because of the truck’s position.
The vehicle had remained partially suspended above I-71 after breaking through the barrier.
The incident also required coordination between firefighters, police, transportation officials and recovery crews.
Those agencies worked to rescue the occupants, secure the scene and remove the damaged vehicle.
The latest reports did not indicate that the crash involved another vehicle.
Officials also had not released a final determination about what caused the semi to crash.
What happens next after the crash
Authorities are expected to continue assessing the damage around the MLK Drive overpass.
The condition of the barrier will help determine whether additional repairs or restrictions are needed.
The crash also remains subject to further investigation.
Officials have not released a detailed account of the events leading up to the collision.
For drivers, the immediate concern remains the traffic restrictions around I-71 and Martin Luther King Drive.
Those restrictions could change as transportation crews complete their assessment.
Cincinnati has experienced several serious semi-truck crashes on I-71 this year.
A separate May crash near downtown killed a truck driver after a tractor-trailer struck barriers and caught fire.
The May crash occurred near the Lytle Tunnel and involved a different section of I-71.
The latest Avondale crash did not result in the same reported fatality.
Instead, emergency crews rescued the two people inside the truck.
Officials have not released additional details about their conditions or the cause of the crash.
The Cincinnati Exchange will update this story as authorities provide more information.
FAQs
What happened to the semi-truck on I-71?
The semi-truck crashed into the Martin Luther King Drive overpass barrier in Avondale. The truck became partially suspended above I-71.
How many people were rescued?
Two people were rescued from the semi-truck. Cincinnati Fire Department crews used harnesses during the rescue.
Did the crash cause a fuel spill?
Yes. Officials estimated that about 200 gallons of diesel fuel spilled after the crash.
Were roads closed after the crash?
Yes. Several lanes and ramps around Martin Luther King Drive and I-71 faced restrictions. Some restrictions continued into Monday morning.
