A young girl was killed and at least seven other people were hurt in a 10-vehicle crash on the Ohio Turnpike that caused an hours-long delay on the highway Sunday afternoon.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Milan Post, the crash happened at approximately 2:16 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of the Turnpike in Groton Township.
Investigators said the driver of a commercial semi failed to stop with assured clear distance and hit nine vehicles that had slowed down in a construction zone, including a pickup truck and multiple SUVs and cars.
A young girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The seven injured victims were taken to Firelands Regional Medical Center and Toledo St. Vincent Hospital for treatment.
The crash completely shut down the eastbound lanes of the highway for several hours.
Crews at the scene were able to remove a section of the barrier wall to let traffic from the eastbound lanes out.
Photos posted on social media showed drivers sitting outside their cars, waiting for traffic to start moving.
The Edison Local School District assisted by allowing crews to use a school bus to transport those who were involved in the crash to a safe location.
The Groton Township Fire Department, North Central EMS, Toledo St. Vincent Life Flight and Erie County Sheriff's Office assisted the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Possible charges will be reviewed by the Erie County Prosecutor's Office. It's unclear at this time whether alcohol or drug use were factors in the crash.
