Staff Report

LAKE MILTON — Troopers from the Canfield Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash Thursday afternoon on Interstate 76 in Milton Township. The crash happened after 1:30 p.m.

Reports indicate the incident involved a 2024 Mack Granite dump truck, driven by Russell Bowers, 62, of Conneaut, and a 2025 Freightliner MT 45G, whose driver’s identity is being withheld pending notification. Both vehicles were traveling westbound on I-76 in the right lane.

Reports indicate the dump truck slowed due to other traffic and was struck in the rear by the Freightliner. The dump truck was pushed partially onto the shoulder.

The impact caused the Freightliner to become engulfed in flames, according to the OSP.

Reports indicate the driver of the Mack truck was transported to Mercy Health Hospital in Youngstown, where he was being treated for minor injuries. The driver of the Freightliner was pronounced dead at the scene.

Interstate 76 westbound was closed for approximately three hours.

The Ohio Department of Transportation was on scene to assist with traffic control. Departments assisting on scene were Milton Township Police, and fire and emergency medical service from Berlin, Jackson and Milton townships.

OSP officials report drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in this crash. The crash remains under investigation.