Semi tandem-trailer tips over near Cedarville

UPDATE @ 7:20 p.m.: The driver of the semi pulling two trailers full of general merchandise was not hurt when the entire vehicle tipped over in the 2000 block of state Route 72 South, just south of the village.

Sgt. Jim Slusher, Ohio Highway Patrol Xenia Post, said the preliminary investigation suggests the rear trailer tandem went off the berm, which pulled the rest of the vehicle off into the berm line.

The driver was wearing his seat belt, and Slusher said he has no doubt that the belt saved the driver’s life.

“In this area, people misjudge how much tight berm they have,” Slusher said. “It’s a fairly narrow roadway for a state route.”

Failure to control a motor vehicle seems the appropriate citation for what happened, the sergeant said, but the cause of the accident is still under investigation.

The tandem trailer was hauling a variety of merchandise — mowers and other lawn equipment, rolls of paper, air conditioners, electric motors and more. Both trailers will have to be unloaded before the vehicle can be righted, Slusher said. A heavy wrecker has been called to the scene and the scene won’t be cleared for hours.

A fire crew dispatched to the scene quickly dealt with a small diesel spill that resulted from the accident.

The accident caused the shutdown of the two-lane roadway. One lane was reopened about 6:30 p.m.

FIRST REPORT

A crash involving a semi with two trailers has state Route 72 shut down.

We’re told the crash is in the 2000 block and the semi has tipped over on its side.

Cedarville police and fire, as well as troopers with the Ohio Highway Patrol have been dispatched.

We’re told there is fuel leaking as well.

The accident was reported just after 5:30 p.m.

We have a crew en route and we’ll update this story as we get information.