Delaware County, OH – The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is investigating a deadly three-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday evening on Interstate 71 near the Tanger Outlets and the U.S.-36/State Route 37 exit in Berkshire Township. The collision left one person dead and several others injured.
The crash happened around 5 p.m. when Michael Duncan, 35, lost control of his black Hyundai Tucson while traveling northbound on I-71. According to OSHP, the vehicle crossed the median, struck the median cable barrier, overturned, and collided head-on with a Chevrolet Silverado in the southbound lanes.
Duncan, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers in the Hyundai—a 38-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl—suffered serious injuries and were transported to the hospital.
The Chevrolet Silverado, occupied by a driver and one passenger, also sustained significant damage in the crash. Both individuals in the Silverado were hospitalized with serious injuries. Debris from the crash struck a southbound Toyota Tacoma, causing minor damage. The driver and passenger of the Tacoma were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released.
The southbound lanes of I-71 were closed for approximately three hours while first responders worked to assist victims and clear the scene. Agencies involved in the response included the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware Fire & EMS, BST&G Fire and EMS, and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
OSHP investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash and what led Duncan to lose control of his vehicle. They noted that Duncan was the only individual involved who was not wearing a seatbelt, emphasizing the importance of proper restraint use in preventing fatalities. As the investigation continues, authorities are asking for any witnesses or individuals with information about the crash to come forward.
This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of road safety, particularly on high-speed interstates like I-71. The Delaware County community mourns the loss of Michael Duncan and wishes for the recovery of those injured in the crash.