Turnpike responds

Plow pushes snow into oncoming traffic, injures drivers, damages vehicles

Ferzan Ahmed, executive director of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, released a statement concerning the snowplow incident that occurred on the Ohio Turnpike on Jan. 23.

“During our snow and ice operations, a plow truck driver was travelling westbound plowing snow in the left lane and in the left shoulder with the wing plow deployed,” Ahmed said in the statement. “Beginning near the 117 milepost, which is close to the state Route 250 interchange, the plow truck operator was throwing snow, ice and slush over the median divider wall onto oncoming traffic.

“This appears to have occurred over a couple miles, resulting in damage to approximately 40 cars and trucks, caused accidents, and unfortunately, injuries.” As with any incident that results in accident or injury, the employee immediately was removed from shift and sent for mandatory drug and alcohol testing, he said.

The employee is on administrative leave pending the outcome of these investigations, Ahmed said.

“In addition to the extensive training, our snowplow operators are provided with some of the best equipment in the industry to perform their job duties,” he said. “Our track record in snow and ice operations over the past 66 years speaks for itself.”

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Turnpike Maintenance and disabled vehicle service companies, Interstate Towing and Madison Motor Service, assisted in removing the vehicles from the Turnpike, Ahmed said.

Officials took the customers to the Milan Patrol Post as well as a local restaurant and hotel, he said.

“We are coordinating our efforts with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and are currently contacting each customer directly who was affected by yesterday’s snowplow incident,” Ahmed said. “Individuals wishing to file a property damage claim with the Ohio Turnpike should do so on our website: ohioturnpike.org/travelers/ property-damage-claim.”

The employee is on administrative leave pending the outcome of these investigations, Ahmed said.