MACEDONIA, Ohio — State Route 8 closed in both directions between E. Aurora Road and E. Highland Road in Macedonia Saturday morning due to a fiery crash.
According to officials, the fiery crash was the result of a tanker truck explosion. At 9:15 a.m., Macedonia police and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office responded to Interstate 271 North in Northfield Center Township for reports of a crash.
The tanker truck was driving northbound on State Route 8 and attempting to merge onto I-271 N when he lost control and went over the side of the bridge, landing on State Route 8 North, where he burst into flames, according to police.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Macedonia Mayor Nicholas Molnar said there were other vehicles in the vicinity when the crash occurred but no other drivers aside from the tanker truck driver reported injuries from the incident.
The Summit County HAZMAT Team, Macedonia Fire Department, Twinsburg Fire Department, and other local fire departments responded to the scene. The crash is under investigation by the Summit Metro Crash Team.
According to officials, crews are addressing diesel from the tanker that flowed into a nearby river and down into Brandywine Creek.
“We feel around 7,000 to 7,500 gallons of fuel ignited, and we have containment teams on site right now for EPA, and we’re cleaning up the mess as it comes,” said Molnar.
Brandywine Creek briefly caught fire due to the fuel, and at this time, the fire has been put out, according to officials.
The Environmental Protection Agency has responded and is working to assess and clear the scene. Residents nearby are asked to let crews do their work.
Once truck debris has been removed, response crews can begin excavating impacted soils, officials said.
The ramp from State Route 8 to I-271 N is currently closed, and State Route 8 southbound is closed. It will remain closed until the bridge can be inspected for safety.
Drivers are asked to avoid the area until further notice.
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