‘I’ve never seen a plow truck throw that much snow’: Video shows cars that were struck by plow debris in Erie County

BEREA, Ohio (WOIO) - Newly-released dash camera video shows a state highway trooper respond to the Ohio Turnpike on Sunday after dozens of vehicles were struck by debris from a plow truck in Erie County.

Approximately 40 vehicles were damaged on Sunday afternoon by the plow truck as it was clearing snow and ice from the westbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike in Erie County, according to the Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

“I’ve never seen a plow truck throw that much snow across the whole highway,” one stranded motorist told the OSHP trooper.

The debris that was sprayed across the Ohio Turnpike resulted in at least 12 injuries, officials said. All of the injuries are not life-threatening.

“It was the most terrifying day of my life,” one driver told 19 News on the condition of anonymity, citing pending litigation. He said his passenger feared they wouldn’t make it out alive.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will handle the investigation.

“The Highway Patrol is always going to conduct ourselves with the same consistent level of compassionate unbiased professionalism. It’s what the public expects of us,” said Sgt. Ray Santiago. “We have an obligation to all parties involved to make sure this investigation is done thoroughly and correctly.”

According to officials, the 54-year-old Berea man who was operating the plow truck at the time is cooperating with the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigation.

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission released the following information for motorists who were involved in the incident:

Affected customers are encouraged to contact their individual insurance companies to address vehicle damage & immediate transportation needs.

Additionally, individuals wishing to file a property damage claim with the Ohio Turnpike should do so on our website: https://ohioturnpike.org/travelers/property-damage-claim

If you have any questions, contact the Turnpike Customer Service Center at (440) 971-2222.

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