Local News
Mass Casualty Incident Declared Following Multi-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 75 in Fort Shawnee
FORT SHAWNEE, OHIO – Emergency crews responded to a serious multi-vehicle crash Sunday on northbound Interstate 75 near the 118-mile marker, just inside Allen County near Fort Shawnee, prompting officials to declare a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI).
According to initial reports, traffic along I-75 northbound had slowed or come to a complete stop due to a separate vehicle fire near the same location.
As motorists were halted in the roadway, a semi-truck traveling northbound failed to stop in time and collided with multiple passenger vehicles.
Preliminary information indicates the semi struck between five and six vehicles, resulting in multiple injuries.
Authorities reported that several individuals were trapped inside their vehicles due to severe damage, while at least one person was ejected from a vehicle during the crash.
Due to the number of injured parties and the complexity of the scene, a Mass Casualty Incident was declared to coordinate emergency response efforts.
Multiple fire and EMS units were requested to assist, including squads from Shawnee Township, Cridersville, and Wapakoneta.
Northbound traffic on Interstate 75 at and near the 118-mile marker is completely shut down as first responders work to extricate victims, provide medical treatment, and clear the roadway.
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
The extent of injuries and the total number of victims have not yet been officially confirmed.
The crash remains under active investigation.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at UrbanaโChampaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. โ A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coronerโs Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coronerโs Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguezโs death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguezโs death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.