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Ohio truck driver injured in I-70 crash

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A tractor-trailer went over the hillside along I-70 east just before the state line. The Ohio driver was taken to the hospital by helicopter. The highway was closed near the West Alexander exit for about an hour. One lane remained closed at about 2:30 p.m.

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A tractor-trailer crashed on I-70 east near the West Virginia border. A trailer disconnected and leaked diesel. It was also carrying hazardous materials.

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Firefighter work at the scene where a tractor-trailer crashed on I-70 east near the West Virginia border Wednesday.

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A tractor-trailer crashed on I-70 east near the West Virginia border. A trailer disconnected and leaked diesel. It was also carrying hazardous materials.

A 54-year-old truck driver from Ohio was flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital Wednesday after he rolled his tractor-trailer containing hazardous substances over a hillside along Interstate 70 east just beyond the West Virginia border.

The driver lost control of the double tractor-trailer he was driving about 1 p.m. and traveled about a tenth of a mile before crashing into a guard rail and sliding a few hundred feet down a hill in Donegal Township. He was ejected from the truck, according to police. The man’s name and condition were not released.

Both lanes of the highway were closed until about 2:30 p.m. when an eastbound lane reopened.

Traffic entering the highway from West Alexander was not affected.

The tractor-trailer, owned by R&L Carriers, was carrying several containers of hazardous substances. John Poister, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said a spill was being investigated by an inspector. Ryan Frazee, emergency planner for the Washington County Hazardous Materials Response Team, said a diesel leak was contained Wednesday afternoon.

Frazee said the truck was carrying a mixed load of industrial materials, and the team was evaluating the situation.

A state police trooper said witnesses reported seeing the driver swerve shortly after crossing the state line. A conversation with the trucking company revealed the driver had a medical condition that may have led to the crash, police said.

In addition to Hazmat and state police, ambulance and chair service and fire departments from West Alexander, Claysville, Triadelphia and Valley Grove responded.

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