OSHP investigates two semi accidents on I-70 West

MUSKINGUM COUNTY, Ohio–The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating two commercial vehicle accidents which each involved two semis on Interstate 70 West near the Gratiot Exit.

The Zanesville Post reported that the crashes happened around 1:15 p.m. Thursday during heavy rain near mile post 145 in Muskingum County.

Authorities said 39-year-old Andra Whatley of Columbus was traveling westbound on I-70 when his semi struck the trailer of another semi which was driven by Timothy North of West Depot, New Jersey. After striking the trailer, Whatley lost control of his vehicle and jack knifed in the center of the roadway.

The Patrol said the second crash occurred when 65-year-old Frederick Loucks of Mount Jackson, Virginia, slowed to avoid the initial accident and was struck from behind by a semi driven by 45-year-old Rene Cruz of Mexico.

Interstate 70 West was closed for several hours while crews worked to clear the accident scenes.

The accidents remain under investigation.