Ohio Turnpike reopens after nearly 50-vehicle pileup kills 4 people

SANDUSKY COUNTY — Nearly 50 vehicles crashed at the Ohio Turnpike that left four dead and numerous people injured Friday, December 23, afternoon.

Crews from multiple districts were called to Interstate 80 between state Route 53 and state Route 4 in Sandusky County after reports of a massive pileup at approximately 2 p.m., Ohio State Highway Patrol informed via Twitter updates.

46 vehicles, at minimum, crashed on Interstate 80 in the eastbound lanes, an Ohio State Highway Patrol spokesperson stated. Of those vehicles, 15 were commercial vehicles, including large commercial trucks.

Troopers closed down Interstate 80 in both directions from exit 91 at state Route 53 to exit 118 at state Route 250.

Traffic from eastbound and westbound lanes were diverted off at exit 91 and exit 118, respectively.

Troopers blocked westbound lanes for about nine hours to allow for essential personnel to reach the pileup, tend to the injured and deceased, and begin to clear some of the vehicles from the crash, according to the spokesperson as well as footage News Center 7 obtained from the incident.

The eastbound lanes, however, were kept closed for over 39 hours, reopening Saturday, December 24, at 5:15 p.m.

The eastbound lanes remained closed for a day and a half to allow Ohio State Highway Patrol and cleaning crews to remove cars and especially commercial vehicles from the road, the spokesperson said.

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During this pileup, four were confirmed dead with many more injured, a spokesperson confirmed.

None of the four deceased victims were identified by officials after the crash.

Medics were called to the scene, seen in images News Center 7 obtained of the incident.

Toledo Fire and Rescue were also among the first responders to help Ohio State Highway Patrol with the crash, seen in images taken at the scene.

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The cause of the crash was attributed to the dangerous road conditions from icy roads to poor visibility from the first winter storm of the season, a spokesperson informed.

“This is a stark reminder of what can happen when you get behind the wheel and try to drive in bad weather conditions,” Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant Ryan Purpura warned.

“We ask that you do not travel unless you absolutely have to. If you do have to travel, we ask that you take precautions, take it slow, be patient, wear your safety belt, and increase your following distance,” Purpura continued.

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