OSHP: Trucker in freak accident on I-75 should make full recovery

The semi-tractor trailer driver hit in the neck by a bolt from a crane on Interstate 75 Tuesday is expected to make a full recovery, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said Wednesday afternoon.

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  • The driver was directly behind the crane, which appeared to be the kind used to handle trees and large branches, when the accident occurred.
  • The semitrailer driver's name and age has not been released. 
  • The driver is expected to make a full recovery, according to state troopers on Wednesday.

UPDATE @ 4:29 p.m. (Aug. 30):The driver of a box truck carrying a crane was issued a ticket for an unsecured load, according to the patrol.

The company of the truck is a local company, but troopers did not release the name of the company.

An investigation is expected to conclude Thursday or Friday.

UPDATE @ 2:42 p.m. (Aug. 30):

Bridge inspectors with the Ohio Department of Transportation were back out today at the Needmore Road bridge over Interstate 75.

“Our crews did an assessment last night and found no significant damage. Today we conducted a thorough inspection with our bridge engineers to take a closer look at the structure. At this point, there is no major damage. We also had crews making pavement repairs in that area,” said Mandi Dillon, spokesperson for ODOT.

Crews were checking the damage to the bridge as well and repairing the roadway where damage was left in the pavement.

We’re still working to learn the identity of the semi truck driver.

Freak accident

The semitrailer driver was trailing a crane on I-75 South in Harrison Twp. when the crane fell onto the interstate and a bolt from that piece of equipment struck the driver.

Sgt. Frank Simmons Jr., Ohio Highway Patrol Dayton Post, said "the crane malfunctioned. The wind caught it. It flipped straight up and struck the overpass of Needmore Road."

A bolt from the crane was sheared off at impact, continued through the windshield of the semitrailer and hit the driver in the neck.

No one else was injured, the sergeant said.

The accident was reported about 5:19 p.m., and Ohio Highway Patrol troopers helped to direct traffic around the accident scene.

A substance that spilled on the roadway hampered traffic as well.

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