Drivers stranded on I-71 North in central Ohio for hours after multiple crashes
WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio (WCMH) – Multiple overnight crashes, including one involving two semi-trucks in a construction zone, caused the closure of Interstate 71 North and over eight hours of gridlock traffic.
According to drivers at the scene, people were stuck on Interstate 71 North, beginning at State Route 38, through U.S. Route 62, starting at about 10:30 p.m.
Ohio State Highway Patrol said the roadway had to be shut down due to 'serious injuries,' the need to move the damaged trailer, and an oil spill that required a hazmat cleanup involving the Environmental Protection Agency.
The southbound lanes reopened at about midnight, while the northbound lanes remained closed until 6:15 a.m., about eight hours after the crash.
'I think it was about 11:15 when we finally hit our stop on traffic,' said Emma McLaughlin, who was on her way back to Columbus from a Kesha concert in Cincinnati. 'I think we kind of hoped it was only going to be for an hour or so. But it turns out it ended up being nine hours, which is outrageous.'
McLaughlin said there were some moms who were asking for formula for their babies. She said they weren't really sure what was going on, and didn't really get any answers until about 6 a.m.
'Nine hours with no restroom, no water, it was miserable,' McLaughlin said. 'I think all of us were just really ready to get home and get some rest because it was daunting.'
Crews were reportedly having a difficult time clearing a path from the crashes due to the narrow lanes and no shoulder, resulting in a lack of space to operate. The OSHP said two people have been hospitalized from each crash, but there are no reported fatalities.
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One woman returning from Kings Island amusement park with her three children were stuck in traffic since the crash occurred.
'Cars are kind of turning off and on to cool down the car, get some air, but everyone seems to be kind be conserving their gas. A lot of cars have been turned off,' said Taylor Dempsey, who added that her family has water, but no food and everyone is need of a restroom.
AAA recommends drivers keep emergency kits in their cars; something McLaughlin said she will be doing going forward.
'These types of things happen,' said Kara Hitchens, a spokesperson for AAA. 'We know we've seen it happen before. It happened on the east coast a couple of years ago. It's good to be proactive because you can never plan for that type of thing. But it's a good idea just to have it in your car in case of emergencies.'
Those who were able to maneuver on the highway were detoured to SR-38 heading southeast, to U.S. 62, through Mount Sterling towards Grove City in Franklin County. NBC4 traffic anchor Kristine Varkony says the detour could take up to an hour of extra drive time.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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