I-76 west reopens in Portage County after crash involving 25+ vehicles

BRIMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - More than two dozen vehicles were involved in a crash on I-76 in Portage County Saturday, causing a major portion of the road to be shut down.

The wreck happened just before noon. Crews shut down the westbound lanes of I-76 at State Route 43 in Brimfield Township.

The road was closed for more than six hours, and reopened just after 6 p.m.

The Brimfield Township Police Department said at least 25 vehicles were involved in multiple crashes in the westbound lanes. Officers said the crashes spread from I-76 in Tallmadge (MM 28) into Brimfield on I-76 (MM 31). The chief posted on the department's Facebook page that there were no serious injuries.

Here are the public alerts sent out by the department:
- Avoid I-76 between SR43 and SR532. Multiple traffic crashes, some with injuries. Expect delays.
- Avoid I-76 between SR43 and SR532...Multiple traffic crashes in the area, some with injuries. Brimfield Police, Tallmadge Police and The Ohio State Highway Patrol as well as multiple fire units are all on scene.

Video submitted by NewsChannel5 viewer Ashley Rainey shows what appears to be more than a dozen vehicles involved in one crash. Tractor trailers and cars can all been seen in the video. Click on the video player above to see the video.

NewsChannel5 viewer Rachelle Butorac of Ravenna emailed us her account of what happened on I-76:

"We were going along and all of a sudden I noticed the east bound traffic flashing their headlights, I first thought it was nothing then it was happening way too many times, and visibility was down to practically nothing. I slowed down- just in time, I was able to slowly come to a stop but the cars continued to pass me unable to do so. I was almost pummeled by a Hummer and I was in a little PT cruiser. Thank God for those east bound cars flashing or it probably would of been me in that roadside pile.

Was finally able to turn into the median and go east but the Brimfield fireman said I could only go as far as the route 18 Tallmadge exit because the was a pile up just after that.

That was the type of stuff you see in movies, trailers and cars scrunched up like paper and turned in every direction.

I'm very lucky and once again thanks to those east bound travelers flashing their lights!!"

If you were stuck in traffic and have photos of the backup or crash scene, email your photo to 5pix@newsnet5.com .