Lebanon Post investigating 2-vehicle, head-on fatal crash on Interstate 71
The Lebanon Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle head-on fatal crash. The crash occurred Thursday, May 16 at 1:39 a.m. on Interstate 71 near mile post 20 in Deerfield Township, Warren County.
The preliminary investigation revealed a 2019 International Harvester tractor-trailer combination, operated by Bennoit Mapango, 30, of Maple Heights, was traveling south on Interstate 71. A 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by a 17-year-old male, was traveling the wrong way on Interstate 71, northbound in the southbound lanes.
The International Harvestor and Jeep struck head-on. After striking head-on, both vehicles traveled off the southeast side of the roadway, and the International subsequently overturned.
Mapango was transported by ground ambulance to Mercy Health – Kings Mills Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The 17-year-old male succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.
Interstate 71 southbound lanes were shut down during the crash investigation. A detour was established off of southbound Interstate 71 to Exit 24 – Innovation Way, Western Row Road. A lane was reopened just after 7:30 a.m. All of Interstate 71 southbound lanes were reopened just after 8:30 a.m.
The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Mason Police Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department & EMS, Warren County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation and Sandy’s Towing.
The crash remains under investigation by the Lebanon Post.
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