CINCINNATI —
City officials in Cincinnati report that a massive fire erupted downtown Sunday evening following a semi-truck crash near Heritage Bank Center.
The crash reportedly happened in the northbound lanes of Interstate 71 near the entrance to the Lytle Tunnel at حوالي 6:51 p.m.
The Cincinnati Fire Department says the semi-truck likely slammed into a highway wall, which caused it to burst into flames.
The driver became trapped inside the vehicle after the crash, and first responders worked to rescue him. Authorities later pronounced him dead at the scene.
Crews have since fully extinguished the fire.
CFD officials say the crash occurred directly beneath the U.S. Route 50 overpass, and they believe the structure’s beams sustained minor damage from the fire.
Officials also reported that a significant amount of diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway during the incident.
Authorities say extensive cleanup work remains before nearby roads can reopen. State officials are also being contacted to evaluate the damage caused by the fire and fuel spill.
As a result, Fort Washington Way — the stretch of I-71 running through downtown Cincinnati — has been closed indefinitely, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. Route 50 is also shut down in both directions near the Lytle Tunnel.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area while cleanup efforts continue.
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