Semitrailer driver to be cited in crash on U.S. 35 West Bypass in Xenia

UPDATE @ 6:22 p.m.: The driver of a semitrailer that crashed on the U.S. 35 West Bypass in Xenia will be cited for speeding and failure to control after his explanation to authorities -- that a deer ran out in front of his rig -- was knocked down by witnesses, said Sgt. Matt Cleaveland, Xenia Post, Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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The driver, who was not identified by name, was not injured and managed to climb out of the wreckage on his own, the sergeant said, but admitted that he was driving at 68 mph in heavy rain in a zone where the posted speed limit is 45 mph.

Cleaveland said the driver lost control of the rig, which went off the left side of the road and then the right before crashing through guardrail and coming to rest on its side down a 30-foot embankment.

A heavy downpour was occurring at the time of the accident, which was reported just after 1 p.m., the sergeant said.

A section of guardrail had to be cut away and the trailer, which was carrying an estimated 5,000 pounds of brake drums, had to be taken apart as well.

Traffic on the bypass was rerouted to U.S. 68 and into Xenia, then back onto U.S. 35 West.

The bypass is expected to be cleared fully by 7 p.m., the sergeant said.

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