A semitrailer hauling about 40,000 pounds of yogurt rear-ended a box truck carrying Amazon packages on I-71

ASHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — A semitrailer hauling about 40,000 pounds of yogurt rear-ended a box truck carrying Amazon packages on Interstate 71 near the Ashland–Richland county line. The crash was reported at about 1:53 p.m. near mile marker 179.6 in the Northbound lanes.

 

The box truck was traveling about 30 mph in the right lane when the semi approached from behind. The semi driver realized too late how slowly the box truck was moving.

 

Mohammad Shaikh, 39, of Richmond, Texas, was driving the 2016 Freightliner semi, which was hauling about 20 tons of yogurt.

The patrol listed Shaikh as at fault for the crash and cited him for failing to maintain an assured clear distance ahead. The box truck driver, Armand Muntumosi, 50, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, was cited for unsafe slow speed. Muntumosi was driving a 2017 Hino carrying Amazon packages. The trooper said both drivers contributed to the collision.

 

Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 requires drivers to travel at a speed that allows them to stop within the clear distance ahead. Section 4511.22 prohibits driving so slowly that it unreasonably impedes normal traffic, with exceptions when slowing or stopping is necessary for safety or to comply with the law.

 

Minor injuries were reported, and seat belts were in use at the time of the crash.

 

Mifflin Fire Department & EMS, Aber’s Towing & Crane Service, and World Truck Towing & Recovery responded to the scene.