BELLVILLE, Ohio — A semi truck owned by PepsiCo overturned on state Route 546 Monday afternoon. The accident, which wrapped the truck in live power lines, left the driver trapped inside the cab for approximately 30 minutes and caused nearby homes to lose power.
Mansfield Ambulance Operations Manager Jarrod Strouth said the road could be closed until 5:30 p.m.
Troy Township Fire Department engine 144 and Washington Township Fire Department engine 131 responded to the scene of the accident. The Mansfield Post of the State Highway Patrol also reported to the scene.
According to Sergeant Adam Burkhart of the Mansfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the truck was heading north on state Route 546. The driver lost control and tried bringing the truck back onto the road, but failed, said Burkhart.
“He struck an electric pole and a garage,” said Burkhart. “The rescuers couldn’t get him out because they were waiting on the power company to turn the power off.”
Ohio Edison arrived on the scene around 3:30 p.m. Shortly after cutting the power lines that entangled the truck, rescuers from Troy and Washington Township recovered the driver. The driver was then transported to OhioHealth MedCentral Hospital.
Burkhart said the driver of the truck sustained minor injuries.
Burkhart explained that the framework from the garage had come through the window during the accident. “He’s actually a very lucky person,” said Burkhart.
Ron Landis lives next door to the scene of the accident. He said he was sleeping when he heard a boom. “I heard a big boom and a crash. My wife went out to look and she came in and told me there was an accident,” said Landis. “The electric went out immediately [after the crash].”
Resident Donna McBride lives next to Landis. “This road is very hilly and has lots of curves. The speed limit’s 55 [miles per hour], but I’d say most people drive closer to 65,” said McBride.
Shelly Smith & Sons Ltd responded to the scene to tow the semi truck.
