Overnight investigation: I-271 South reopened after multiple crashes near I-480

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Police in the Bedford Heights area responded to a series of crashes on I-271 that caused an hours-long closure near I-480.

The incidents were initially reported in the southbound lanes near the I-480 interchange at around 12:40 a.m. on Thursday, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Bedford Heights police said a driver first pulled over with a flat tire and called for a tow truck.

The tow truck driver arrived and parked the flat-bed in a way to protect himself while changing the tire, according to crash investigators.

A third motorist hit the tow truck and then a fourth motorist slammed into the third car.

The driver of the third car was ejected from the vehicle.

Paramedics transported that drive to MetroHealth Medical Center in stable condition, Bedford Heights police said.

For nearly three hours, all southbound lanes were closed.

At 4:30 a.m., highway officials said the crash activity was cleared from the interstate.