One dead following crash on Turnpike in North Ridgeville

NORTH RIDGEVILLE – One person is dead following a fatal crash involving a semi tractor-trailer and SUV between State Route 57 and Interstate 480 in North Ridgeville.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, at 3:31AM Tuesday, a 2019 Volvo semi tractor-trailer was driving westbound on the Turnpike when it drove off the right side of the road and side-swiped a Hyundai Santa Fe that was disabled on the shoulder. After the impact with the vehicle, the Volvo semi tractor-trailer continued to go off the roadway and struck a guardrail and bridge pillar.

The Hyundai Santa Fe was occupied by Kassie Cadle, 30, of Ravenna. Following the crash, Cadle had minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

The driver of the Volvo semi tractor-trailer was trapped in the vehicle and had to be freed by mechanical means. The driver suffered fatal injuries at the scene. The driver’s identity is being withheld by the Ohio State Highway Patrol at this time.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, North Ridgeville Fire & EMS, Lorain County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Turnpike Infrastructure Commission, and Rich’s Towing all responded to the scene.

UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 15: The driver of the Volvo semi tractor-trailer has been identified as Paul G. Rodak, 37, of Carol Stream, Illinois.