Semi Driver Injured in Crash with Abandoned Box Truck on I-71

The crash occurred in Warren County, Ohio on Sunday morning.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A semi-truck driver was injured after crashing into an abandoned box truck on Interstate 71 in Warren County, Ohio on Sunday morning. The box truck had been left on the shoulder due to a mechanical issue when the semi drove onto the shoulder and collided with it, pushing the box truck off the road and onto its top. The semi driver, a 64-year-old man from New York, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Why it matters

Crashes involving abandoned vehicles on highways can pose serious risks to other drivers and lead to major traffic disruptions. This incident highlights the need for proper procedures to handle disabled vehicles and ensure the safety of all motorists on the roadway.

The details

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 6:15 a.m. on I-71 northbound near milepost 33. The box truck had been left on the right shoulder due to a mechanical issue when the semi-truck drove onto the shoulder and collided with it, pushing the box truck off the road and onto its top. The 64-year-old semi driver from New York was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries. The right northbound lane of I-71 was shut down for several hours for cleanup and vehicle removal.

  • The crash occurred around 6:15 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Ohio State Highway Patrol

The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the crash.

Turtlecreek Twp. Fire Department and EMS

The emergency responders who assisted at the scene of the crash.

Sandy's Towing and Steve's Towing

The towing companies that helped remove the vehicles from the scene.

64-year-old semi driver from New York

The driver of the semi-truck who was injured in the crash.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of properly securing and removing disabled vehicles from highways to prevent dangerous collisions and ensure the safety of all motorists. It also highlights the need for effective coordination between law enforcement, emergency responders, and towing services to efficiently clear accident scenes and restore normal traffic flow.