Wave Of Slush: Snowplow Arc Injures 12 On Ohio Turnpike

ERIE COUNTY, OH — A wave of snow, slush and ice arced over a median and struck oncoming traffic on the Ohio Turnpike, damaging multiple vehicles and injuring 12 people, according to law enforcement.

A snowplow pushed the damaging arc of winter slush into traffic Sunday afternoon in Erie County, the Ohio State Highway Patrol told Patch. The plow was headed west on the turnpike and pushed the wave of snow into eastbound traffic.

Debris struck at least 40 vehicles, some of which crashed after being hit by the wave, said Sgt. Ray Santiago of the Highway Patrol.

"The incident is still under investigation. Any potential charges are pending the review of our findings by the Erie County Prosecutor," Santiago added in an email.

Video of the incident was shared on Reddit.

The Ohio Turnpike Commission told Patch that the snowplow driver is now on administrative leave. The driver was tested for drugs and alcohol after the incident and will remain on leave until the results of those tests are available.

The Commission's full statement is below.

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission is aware of the incident involving a turnpike snowplow operator near milepost 114 in Erie County on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022.

All snow and ice operations conducted on the Ohio Turnpike are performed by turnpike employees, utilizing the commission's equipment.

The Ohio Turnpike and Ohio State Highway Patrol are conducting investigations.

The snowplow employee was immediately removed from shift and sent for mandatory drug and alcohol testing. The employee is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of these investigations. Appropriate action will be taken.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Turnpike Maintenance, and disabled vehicle service companies, Interstate Towing and Madison Motor Service, assisted in removing the vehicles from the turnpike.

The affected customers were taken to the patrol post in Milan, Ohio, as well as a local restaurant and hotel.

We are coordinating our efforts with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and are currently contacting each affected customer directly. They are encouraged to contact their individual insurance companies to address vehicle damage and their immediate transportation needs.

Additionally, individuals wishing to file a property damage claim with the Ohio Turnpike should do so on our website: https://www.ohioturnpike.org/travelers/property-damage-claim

Questions can be directed to the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission at: (440) 971-2222.