UPDATE @ 6:26 p.m.: Two of the semitrailer drivers injured in the chain-reaction crash on I-75 South in Shelby County were taken to Miami Valley Hospital because of serious visual trauma, said Sgt. Vee Witcher, state patrol Piqua Post.
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One other semi driver was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney and the driver of the pickup truck reportedly was taken to Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Witcher said.
Several witnesses reported that southbound traffic had slowed about 1:30 p.m. just before the first rear-end collision, the sergeant said.
The on-scene investigation has been completed and heavy-duty wreckers were on the way to clear the southbound lanes.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, Sgt. Witcher said.
UPDATE @ 5:08 p.m.
At least four people have been taken to hospitals from the chain-reaction crash on Interstate 75 South in Shelby County. The southbound lanes remain closed; Both lanes on northbound I-75 are being reopened.
UPDATE @ 3:18 p.m.
CareFlight is on the scene after a crash involving multiple semitrailers and a pickup truck caused the shut down I-75 in both directions near Botkins.
One helicopter has landed on the southbound lanes of the interstate.
Motorists headed north are being routed off the interstate at exit 104. Motorists traveling south are being routed off at U.S. 33.
UPDATE @ 2:15 p.m.
Both lanes in both directions I-75 are shut down near Botkins beause of a serious crash involving four semitrailers and a pickup truck, according to dispatchers.
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According to state troopers, traffic is still able to get by on the right shoulders in both directions. However, reports indicate traffic has been stopped at different times in both directions due to medical helicopters landing on the highway.
Emergency crews are still working to rescue some occupants involved in the crash.
At least two medical helicopters have been requested to the crash.
We’ll continue to update this story as we learn more.
FIRST REPORT
A serious crash involving at least four semitrailers and a pickup truck has been reported on southbound I-75 near the Botkins exit in Shelby County, according to state troopers.
The crash was reported on southbound I-75 near the exit to state Route 219 to Botkins around 1:40 p.m.
Initial scanner traffic indicates multiple people are trapped after the crash and injuries were reported. At least one medical helicopter has been requested to fly to the scene, according to initial reports.
The left lane of the highway is blocked but the right lane remains open, according to dispatchers at the Piqua Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The conditions of the victims involved were not immediately known.
We have a crew on the way and we’ll update this story as we learn more.
