Three people were transported to hospitals Wednesday morning following a semi-tractor crash into the median on Thomas Edison Bridge that broke loose a section of guardrail sending it airborne, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Traffic was down to one lane in both directions for more than three hours while rescue workers tried to free the semi and clear the scene.
The semi was traveling westbound on State Route 2 at around 8:55 a.m. just past the Bayview exit when the Mansfield driver, Brannon Collier, 39, reported suffering an illness. But authorities cited him for failure to control and for driving with impaired alertness, after commercial motor inspectors allegedly found discrepancies in Collier's log book.
When the guardrail went airborne it ended up in the eastbound lanes, according to authorities.
A 40-year-old Oak Harbor man driving eastbound in a Ford F-150 struck the guardrail and a 48-year-old Port Clinton man driving a Chrysler Pacifica struck debris from the crash, officers reported.
The Oak Harbor man reportedly suffered injuries that were not life-threatening; and EMS took him to Magruder Hospital. The Port Clinton driver was not reported injured.
EMS transported Collier to Firelands Regional Medical Center. Authorities say alcohol and drugs are not factors in the crash.
Part of the guardrail also went through the semi, which drove around 800 more feet while the rail penetrated its tractor and trailer, according to officers.
Sandsuky Post is investigating the crash.
The Ohio Department of Transportation placed traffic barrels at the scene that are slated to remain until the guardrail is replaced.
