Ruggles Township - On Saturday January 20, 2024 at approximately 11:37 a.m., the Ashland Highway Patrol Post was advised of an injury crash involving a commercial tractor/trailer and a pick-up on US Route 224 near mile post 5. A green 1995 Chevrolet pick-up being operated by 50-year-old Mark Rohr of Nova, Ohio was traveling westbound on US Route 224. Rohr slowed to make a southbound turn into a private driveway. A Blue 2019 International LT625 commercial tractor and trailer being operated by 39-year-old Shaun Johnson of Waldorf, Maryland was traveling westbound behind Rohr. The International and the Chevrolet collied in the roadway. The Chevy traveled off of the south side of US Route 224 and the International and its trailer traveled off of the north side US Route 224 and struck a tree.
Rohr did not sustain injuries as a result of the crash. Johnson sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash and was taken by Firelands Ambulance Service to University Ashland Samaritan and was later flown by medical helicopter to Summa Akron City Hospital. The Ohio State Patrol was assisted on-scene by The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Ruggles Troy Volunteer Fire Department, Firelands Ambulance Service, The Ohio Department of Transportation, and Auer Towing and Recovery of Ashland, Ohio.
US Route 224 was closed in both directions for approximately one hour. The Ohio Department of Transportation maintained traffic control using temporary traffic signals for approximately three and a half hours while the scene was cleared by Auer Towing and Recovery. The crash remains under investigation at this time.