Mansfield – On November 1, 2024 at 2353 hours, the Mansfield Post received a report of a single vehicle, commercial related crash, on IR 71 just north of the SR 97 exit. Troopers arrived on scene and located the involved vehicle off the east side of the roadway, on fire.
The preliminary investigation shows an unknown make and model tractor-trailer was traveling northbound on IR 71. The tractor-trailer drove off the right side of the roadway, struck the guard rail and light pole. The tractor-trailer continued down a steep embankment and overturned, where it caught fire.
The driver of the semi was pronounced deceased by the Coroner’s Office. The name is being withheld until identity can be confirmed and the next of kin notified.
The Mansfield Post was assisted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville Police Department, Washington Township Fire and EMS, Troy Township Fire, Mansfield Fire and EMS, and Jefferson Fire and EMS.