Four dead, 10 hospitalized in series of turnpike crashes in Ohio; 1 person charged

SWANTON, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) - Four people are dead and 10 others were hospitalized after a series of crashes on the Ohio Turnpike Thursday morning.

Traffic was stopped in both directions for hours.

Officials said that police investigated at least three crashes along the Ohio Turnpike near the Lucas County/Fulton County line on Aug. 15.

According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, four people died from injuries they suffered in the crashes.

The Lucas County Coroner’s Office identified three of the victims as 20-year-old Ajla Vukovic of Uticia, New York, 9-year-old Dawa Norbu of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and 46-year-old Tenzin Drukgyal of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The fourth victim has yet to be identified. A GoFundMe has been set up to help fund funeral expenses for Vukovic.

According to Springfield Township Fire Chief Randy Miller, at least 10 other people were taken to area hospitals for their injuries.

Officials said the first major crash happened on the turnpike’s eastbound lanes in Swanton Township near milepost 48 around 5:30 a.m., bringing traffic to a standstill.

A preliminary investigation indicates a Toyota was approaching the toll plaza when it slowed down for unknown reasons. A large commercial truck carrying hazardous material hit the rear of the car. The Toyota veered off the right side of the highway, and the truck hit a concrete barrier and overturned, causing the release of the hazardous material.

Two people died and three people were hospitalized in that crash, troopers clarified.

The second crash happened just before 6 a.m. near milepost 49 in Fulton Township, Fulton County. One person died and several others were injured in that crash. Troopers said one of the vehicles involved was a tractor-trailer hauling sulfuric acid, prompting a HAZMAT response. Authorities haven’t said what may have caused this crash or the following one.

A third crash happened just before 6:30 a.m. near milepost 50.8 in Swanton Township. One person died in that crash, and several others were injured in that last crash.

A man from Philadelphia is facing criminal charges after authorities say he caused the last of the three crashes. Naimov Istam faces charges of negligent aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree misdemeanor, and speeding for his involvement in the crash on the westbound lanes.

The turnpike was reopened to traffic around 3 p.m., nearly 10 hours after the initial crash. HAZMAT crews were on the turnpike cleaning sulfuric acid, acetone and methanol following the crashes.

More than 100 first responders and 10 different agencies responded to the scene.

The head of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission released a statement thanking first responders and local agencies involved in the rescue and cleanup efforts.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. We wish a speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries,” said Ferzan M. Ahmed, executive director the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. “We also commend the Ohio State Highway Patrol, first responders, law enforcement agencies, local safety/medical agencies, and staff from the Ohio Turnpike for their professionalism and rescue efforts at multiple crash locations.”

The NTSB announced it will send a “go-team” to conduct a safety investigation into the crash.

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