Traffic is starting to move, slowly, on Interstate 71 south in Lebanon after a series of crashes backed cars up for miles early Wednesday. It began around 1:30 a.m. That’s when, according to dispatchers say, a crash occurred between a sedan and a semi-truck. Two people were taken to the hospital, but the extent of their injuries are unclear.The big rig also spilled some diesel, and crews are working to get that cleaned up.Then, a semi wrecked into a fire engine that was responding to the initial incident. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported from that crash.Finally, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to a third crash, on the I-71 south ramp from State Route 48. No injuries were reported, but one of the big rigs did leak oil. Officials needed to call in a tow truck to get the semi out of the way.OSP is now investigating those incidents while they coordinate with the Ohio Department of Transportation. ODOT has gotten the left lane open enough where traffic is starting to move again, but traffic is still heavily backed up.This is a developing story and will be updated.
LEBANON, Ohio —
Traffic is starting to move, slowly, on Interstate 71 south in Lebanon after a series of crashes backed cars up for miles early Wednesday.
It began around 1:30 a.m. That’s when, according to dispatchers say, a crash occurred between a sedan and a semi-truck. Two people were taken to the hospital, but the extent of their injuries are unclear.
The big rig also spilled some diesel, and crews are working to get that cleaned up.
Then, a semi wrecked into a fire engine that was responding to the initial incident. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported from that crash.
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Trying to get around this mess?
-Take 123 West to SR42 and you can get on 741 that will take you back to 71SB
-Take 123 West to SR48
-Take 123 East to Morrow/22@WLWT https://t.co/NgKzvyKSzX
— Steven Albritton (@StevenAlbritton) May 20, 2026
Finally, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to a third crash, on the I-71 south ramp from State Route 48. No injuries were reported, but one of the big rigs did leak oil. Officials needed to call in a tow truck to get the semi out of the way.
OSP is now investigating those incidents while they coordinate with the Ohio Department of Transportation.
ODOT has gotten the left lane open enough where traffic is starting to move again, but traffic is still heavily backed up.
This is a developing story and will be updated.