Driver survives crash, explosion on I-80 in Hubbard

HUBBARD — Robert E. Weirick of Academy Drive in Liberty Township was only about a mile from home when his semi pulling two trailers of freight smashed into a part of the Interstate 80 bridge over Mount Everett Road and produced a spectacular fireball this morning.

One of the trailers flipped over the bridge railing and landed in a fiery pile on the ground next to railroad tracks and Mount Everett Road.

The other trailer and the semi tractor remained part way on the bridge, with part of the trailer hanging over the edge in another fireball.

Weirick managed to escape the semi tractor and was found lying on the road at the western edge of the bridge, said John Clemente, Hubbard Township fire chief.

Firefighters from Hubbard Township and a half-dozen other departments put out the two fires after about 30 minutes, Clemente said.

Trumbull County HazMat Chief Don Waldron said the trailers were hauling a hazardous chemical called ethanolamine, petroleum oils and greases and containers of propane.

The propane tanks were exploding as Clemente arrived first on the scene, he said.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said Weirick suffered only minor injuries and was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center for treatment. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no firefighters suffered any injuries.

Traffic was diverted away from westbound I-80.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com