1 dead, 1 injured after crash involving work truck on I-71

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – One woman is dead after a crash on I-71 South in Middleburg Heights late Thursday night.

EN ESPAÑOL: Un muerto y un herido tras choque con un camión de trabajo de servicio en la I-71

According to a release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 11:27 p.m. on I-71 South near Bagley Road.

Troopers said that a black 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV driving southbound on Interstate 71 struck a 2017 International MA025 work vehicle that was blocking traffic for crews working in the road.

The driver of the Mercedes-Benz was taken to Southwest General Hospital, where she later died.

Trooper identified her as Christina M. Rivera, 31, of Cleveland.

The driver of the work truck was also taken to Southwest General Hospital for minor injuries.

The truck belonged to Oglesby Construction. 19 News reached out to them and were told safety is a big priority for them.

A preliminary investigation showed that the work truck, with flashing yellow warning lights, was blocking the far-right lane on I-71 to protect a paint crew working in the road.

According to the release, the roadway leading up to the crash was flat and straight.

There were no injuries reported to any other road workers.

Traffic on I-71 was closed for about two hours while the crash was investigated.

The crash remains under investigation.

“The Patrol would like to remind motorists when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights to move over or slow down and proceed with caution,” the release said.

ODOT has also been putting out warnings all summer as their crews work around the clock.

So far this year their crews have been involved in 58 crashes. That includes people, equipment, and vehicles.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.