For Immediate Release: May 18, 2026
Contact: Lieutenant Brian J. Beal (419) 289-0911
Mifflin Township – On Monday, May 18th, 2026, at approximately 7:48 AM, troopers from the Ashland Highway Patrol Post were dispatched to an injury crash involving 2 commercial vehicles on Interstate 71 North at milepost 180. A 2022 International (semi-tractor/trailer) was disabled on the eastern shoulder of Interstate 71 North. A 2016 Kenworth T680 (semi-tractor/trailer) was traveling north on Interstate 71 when it traveled onto the shoulder and struck the left rear of the International’s trailer. Following initial contact, the Kenworth returned to the travel lanes before departing the right side of the roadway, where it struck a guardrail. Both semi-trucks came to final rest along the eastern side of Interstate 71 North. The Kenworth and its trailer caught fire and were a total loss due to fire damage.
The occupant of the International, Shawn E. Elson, age 55 of Dayton, Ohio, was transported by EMS to Ohio Health Ashland with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Kenworth T680, Steven Earl Dyer, age 54 of Liberty Township, Ohio, sustained no apparent injuries and was treated on scene.
The driver of the Kenworth was wearing his safety belt at the time of the crash. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected as factors in this crash. The crash is currently still under investigation.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by Ashland Fire & EMS, Mifflin Fire & EMS, the Ohio Department of Transportation, Ashland County EMA, Aber’s Towing, and Bear’s Towing.
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Photo Credit: Ashlandcountypictures.com
