Tanker Driver's Sleepiness Causes I-271 Crash and Cleanup

Granger Township, Ohio - Interstate 271 is currently shut down in both directions in Medina County for a cleanup of hazardous materials following an early morning accident. The collision, which occurred at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, involved a tanker truck carrying ethanol that overturned on the roadway after the driver, a 32-year-old man from Maple Heights, fell asleep at the wheel, as reported by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to an Akron hospital for treatment. Although about 4,000 gallons of ethanol spilled onto the median, there are no suspicions of alcohol or drugs playing a role in the incident. The closure of I-271 between Interstates 71 and 77 is expected to continue as cleanup efforts persist. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes and follow road diversions. Safety recommendations include avoiding fatigue while driving, minimizing distractions, and always wearing a seat belt. Various agencies, including five fire departments and the state Environmental Protection Agency and Emergency Management Agency, collaborated to manage the situation. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.