Lebanon OSHP Post investigating multiple crashes on Interstate 71
On May 20, at approximately 1:30 a.m., troopers from the Lebanon Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a three-vehicle injury crash.
The crash occurred on Interstate 71 southbound near mile marker 27 in Union Township,
Warren County.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2021 Subaru Legacy, operated by Stacey Vecchiola, 56, Dillsboro, Ind., was traveling south on Interstate 71. The Subaru lost control and traveled to the left, striking the concrete approach slab of the bridge overpass.
The Subaru then traveled back into the southbound lanes and struck a 2024 Peterbilt tractor-double trailer combination, operated by Joshua Frye, 34, Clarksville. After striking the Peterbilt, the Subaru was then struck by a 2026 Mack tractor-trailer combination, operated by Andrew Perkins, 45, Poplar Bluff, Miss. After contact, the Mack traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a guardrail.
The Peterbilt was struck in the fuel saddle and subsequently lost diesel fuel across southbound lanes as it came to a stop.
Vecchiola’s passenger was mechanically extricated from the Subaru. Vecchiola and her passenger were both transported by ground ambulance to Bethesda North Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Vecchiola was found to be at fault for the first crash and cited for Failure to Maintain Reasonable Control of a Motor Vehicle.
At approximately 1:49 a.m., a Deerfield Township Fire Department fire engine was on scene responding to the above crash. The fire engine was initially in the middle lane and pulled to the right to overtake the right lane and was struck by a 2024 Mack Anthem tractor-trailer combination, operated by George Ober IV, 56, Greenwood, Ind.
No other injuries were reported from either crash.
All southbound lanes were closed during the crash investigation and cleanup. The Ohio Department of Transportation established a detour during the road closure. At approximately 6:00 a.m. the left lane was reopened. Just before 8:15 a.m., the middle lane was reopened. The right lane reopened at approximately 8:30 a.m.
There was an additional third crash involving two tractor-trailer combinations in the traffic backup. That crash is being investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
Both crashes remain under investigation by the Lebanon Post. The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Deerfield Township Fire Department & EMS, Union Township EMS, Warren County Dog Warden, Ohio Department of Transportation. Case Towing, Jacob’s Towing, and Sandy’s Towing & Recovery.