Mansfield, OH – June 22, 2024 — A serious collision involving two semi-trucks resulted in a road closure on Interstate 71 Southbound at the 168-mile marker on Saturday morning. The accident, which occurred at 10:34 AM, multiple emergency services, including the Mansfield Post of the Highway Patrol Troopers, Richland County Sheriff's Office Deputies, Washington Township Fire Department & EMS, Mansfield Fire Department, Aber's Towing & Crane Center, Ronk's Auto & Truck Towing Inc.
According to the Mansfield Post of the Highway Patrol, Said Gelle, 39, of Grove City, Ohio, was driving a 2007 Freightliner southbound on I-71 when he failed to maintain an assured clear distance and struck the rear of a 2015 Freightliner driven by Shafqat Ali, 38, of Columbus, Ohio.
Emergency services arrived, with the initial call reported at 10:34 AM. The report indicates that Said Gelle was trapped in his vehicle and had to be extricated by mechanical means, a process that concluded at 11:48 AM. Gelle sustained serious injuries and was subsequently life-flighted to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.
All southbound lanes of I-71 were closed to traffic following the accident, causing significant delays. The closure remained in effect until 4:58 PM as authorities worked to clear the scene.
The accident is currently under investigation by the Mansfield Post of the Highway Patrol to determine the exact cause and any potential contributing factors.
Motorists are reminded to maintain safe distances and remain vigilant while driving, especially on busy highways. Updates on the condition of Said Gelle and the progress of the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.
