A rockfall shut down portions of I-77 near the Newcomerstown and U.S. 36 interchange last night, with two injuries reported.
The Ohio Department of Transportation says it initially closed both southbound lanes and one northbound lane.
Ohio State Highway Patrol New Philadelphia post Sgt. Bill Bower says it was reported to them just prior to 8 p.m.
“The road was completely blocked. Eight vehicles were involved. At this time, it looks like two injuries out of the eight vehicles and it’s still under investigation.”
Bower says one of those vehicles that struck the debris was a Smith Ambulance unit.
“I don’t have the details on whether it was transporting or on the way to a call.”
ODOT Crews worked for a couple hours to clear debris and assess the hillside, and all lanes were reopened by about 11 p.m. ODOT staff stayed on-site overnight to monitor the area, and a geotechnical engineer was expected to conduct a full evaluation Friday morning.
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