Congress Township – Troopers from the Ashland Highway Patrol Post are investigating a serious injury crash which occurred on Interstate-71, northbound, near milepost 197 in Wayne County, Ohio.
On Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at approximately 0640 hours, a 1996 Peterbuilt Semi-Truck (car hauler) driven by Ismet Tuzcu, age 45 from West Haven, Connecticut was northbound on I-71 in the right lane. A 2015 Volvo Semi-Truck & Trailer, driven by Zurab Aptsiauri, age 37 from Solon, Ohio was also northbound on I-71 in the right lane coming up behind the Peterbuilt Semi. The Volvo Semi-Truck failed to stop at an assured clear distance ahead and struck the Peterbuilt Semi. Both vehicles then went off of the right side of the roadway and came to a final rest on the berm.
The driver of the Peterbuilt Semi-Truck was treated on scene for minor injuries. The driver of the Volvo Semi-Truck was transported to Lodi Hospital by EMS and then later flown by helicopter to Akron General Hospital with serious, non-life threatening injuries.
The right lane only of I-71 northbound is still closed while cleanup of motor oil and debris is being done.
Other agencies assisting at the crash scene were: Town & County Fire & EMS, New Pittsburg Fire & EMS, Canaan Fire & EMS and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Drugs and alcohol are not considered to be factors in the crash and both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. The crash remains under investigation.