A 47-year-old Springfield man was killed Wednesday evening, November 4, when his car collided with a semi tractor-trailer on Interstate 70 eastbound near U.S. 68 in Clark County, closing both eastbound lanes while troopers investigated. The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s account of the crash was reported by WHIO.
The crash was reported around 7 p.m. on I-70 eastbound near U.S. 68, in the Springfield area. Travis Vance, 47, of Springfield, was merging onto eastbound I-70 from U.S. 68 when he lost control of his car on the entrance ramp, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol account reported by WHIO. The car traveled into the path of an eastbound semi tractor-trailer, which struck the driver’s side of the car.
Vance died at the scene, WHIO reported. The driver of the semi was not hurt, and no other injuries were reported. The Highway Patrol had not announced any charges in connection with the crash.
Light rain was falling at the time of the crash, and state troopers said speed and wet roadways may have been contributing factors, according to WHIO. The State Highway Patrol’s investigation into what led to the crash is continuing.
Both eastbound lanes of I-70 were closed while crews and investigators worked at the scene on Wednesday night, and dispatchers said one lane was expected to open shortly, WHIO reported. Drivers traveling east through Clark County on Wednesday night faced delays around the U.S. 68 interchange while the closure was in place.
The crash is a reminder of how quickly wet pavement can turn dangerous on entrance ramps and merge lanes, where drivers are accelerating into highway traffic. Troopers have not said whether any other vehicles were involved, and the investigation remains open.