MANSFIELD – A semi rollover containing a butter product has caused a slippery situation on Interstate 71.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), I-71, at the US 30 westbound off-ramp and US 30 northbound on-ramp, are closed due to a semi rollover as of approximately 10:30 a.m.
Mike Bailey, director of Richland County Emergency Management Agency, said the semi was carrying approximately 40,000 pounds of anhydrous milk fat – a type of butter oil.
“It’s about 99 percent butter,” Bailey said. “It’s in solid form when it’s shipped and in bags, but its heating up and melting because of the temperature right now.”
Bailey noted most of the product did not escape the trailer during the rollover. The driver of the truck was transported to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital with minor injuries.
ODOT advised emergency crews are on the scene. The OSHP advised a Highway Patrol lieutenant, Richland County Emergency Management, and the Mansfield and Mifflin Fire Departments responded to the accident.
Bailey stated a Mansfield HAZMAT team as well as a cleaning company were en route to assist on the scene.
“We’re containing the product as much as possible and making sure none of it gets into the waterways,” he said.
Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route and to avoid the area. There is no estimated time as to when the road will reopen.
