Deadly tanker truck crash on Route 8: Driver identified

The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office released his name shortly before noon Monday.

MACEDONIA, Ohio — The driver who was killed in Saturday’s fiery crash at Route 8 and I-271 in Macedonia has been identified as 31-year-old Jason Thomas Stevens of Ashtabula.

The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office released his name shortly before noon Monday, saying the autopsy has been completed and the cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries.

The manner of death has been ruled accidental.

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DETAILS OF THE CRASH

Authorities in Macedonia say they first received a call about the crash at 9:15 a.m. with crews at the scene three minutes later.

The fiery crash involved "some type of fuel truck" that had overturned off the I-271 North entrance ramp to Route 8.

"Macedonia Fire’s officer arrived on scene and established a defensive operation," according to a press release. "He immediately called for Summit County’s HAZMAT team and a representative from the EPA, due to the amount of black smoke and fire present. Fuel from the tanker was getting into Brandywine Creek and moving downstream. As members of the hazmat team arrived, absorbent dikes were placed in several places to stop the flow of fuel."

Officials say a total of 60 firefighters from various departments responded to the scene as Route 8 was closed in both directors at I-271.

"Macedonia firefighters extinguished the truck fire, and hazmat teams worked alongside the EPA to mitigate the spill in the waterways," officials said. "It was estimated that the truck was carrying approximately 7,500 gallons of petroleum fuel. Ohio Edison was called to the scene to address a utility pole and wires that were brought down from the accident."

ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE

Traffic impacts remain at the Route 8 and I-271 interchange in Macedonia as ODOT officials said closures in the area will continue "for several days."

"Ohio Department of Transportation crews have been working with contractors to inspect the roadways and bridges affected by the crash and fire," ODOT said in a press release Sunday afternoon. "Additional inspections will be needed this week as crews continue to assess the situation."

ODOT District 4 Deputy Director Gery Noirot says safety is a top priority.

"We know that keeping these closures in place is a major inconvenience to thousands of motorists, but we will never trade convenience for safety,” Noirot said in a press release. “Our team will be working hand in hand with contractors to make emergency repairs and reopen the closed roadways and bridges as soon as we deem it safe to do so.”

Here's how ODOT is explaining the situation:

ODOT inspectors have found that the roadway on the south end of the SR 8 bridge over Brandywine Creek will need repairs. A contractor will be milling off the top layer of the bridge surface and replacing it. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.

ODOT inspectors have found that the roadway on the south end of the SR 8 bridge over Brandywine Creek will need repairs. A contractor will be milling off the top layer of the bridge surface and replacing it. This work is expected to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.

An initial inspection of the ramp from I-271 southbound to SR 8 did not reveal any immediate concerns. However, additional detailed inspections will done to confirm that there is no significant structural damage. The ramp is also being used by crews cleaning up soil at the site. That work is expected to last through most of the week.

An initial inspection of the flyover ramp that carries northbound SR 8 to northbound I-271 did not find any significant structural damage. Again, additional detailed inspections will be completed before the ramp is allowed to reopen.

“We hope to have all inspections completed and a full plan of action in place by early this week,” said Noirot. “One of the challenges will be the weather.”

DETOURS

If your travels bring you to this area, here's the suggestion detour route from ODOT:

Drivers looking to head south on SR 8 can detour via SR 82 to I-480 to SR 91 to SR 303 back to SR 8. Motorists trying to access I-271 northbound from SR 8 northbound can do so via SR 82.

“Motorists should plan ahead and give themselves plenty of extra time during their commute in the upcoming week,” Noirot added. “Please continue to check OHGO daily to find the easiest way around these closures.”

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