TOLEDO, Ohio — U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) spoke with National Transportation Safety Board Director Jennifer Homendy regarding Thursday's fatal Ohio Turnpike collisions and hazmat situation.
A total of 12 vehicles were involved in three crashes that closed a 15-mile stretch of the turnpike from Lucas to Fulton counties, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
Kaptur released the following statement:
"My heart goes out to so many families affected by the loss of life in the tragic turnpike accident that took place today on I-80 in Swanton. Since early this morning my staff and I have been following these events closely, and have been in touch with local law enforcement agencies and government at the local, state, and federal level responding to this collision," Kaptur said. “We remain always grateful to our first-responders who did what could be done, at risk to their own health, to contain each individual incident and who worked to ensure the safety of the general public today. Several have suffered injury themselves and we pray for their return to good health in the coming days.
"I have spoken with NTSB Director Homendy and am thankful that she and investigators from her agency will survey the scene in person this evening. As a state that saw the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment last year, I appreciate that all proper precautions and investigation are taking place with this incident. I will continue to keep those impacted across our region of Northwest Ohio up to date as the investigation progresses and more facts come to light."
Kaptur said she and her office remain in close contact with local, state and government officials. A briefing by the NTSB was to take place Friday at 4 p.m. to update the public on the crashes. WTOL 11 will bring you the press conference live on our free streaming app WTOL11+, on the WTOL 11 YouTube channel, on our website wtol.com and on our free mobile app.
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