Officials reopened southbound Interstate 71 at 9 p.m. Sunday after a pileup of 15 to 20 vehicles between Reading Road and Taft about four hours earlier.
Twelve vehicles were towed, according to Cincinnati police.
Minutes after the pileup, WCPO's Ally Kraemer reported seeing multiple ambulances taking people from the scene. Hours later, some motorists involved in the accidents were still there standing outside their vehicles. There has been no official word on injuries.
TRAFFIC: I-71 SB is still closed as of 810pm - @CincyPD says wreckers are no removing vehicles involved in pile up - this is impacting the Interstate from about Montgomery Rd south to 3rd Street. A map of impact area @WCPO #9traffic pic.twitter.com/lTR60wgdYU
— Evan Millward (@EvanMillward) March 4, 2019
The multiple crashes caused a huge traffic backup, prompting officials to first close the southbound lanes at the Norwood Lateral and force vehicles north of the crash site to detour at exit ramps, then at the Victory Parkway ramp to allow vehicles in the crash area to be rerouted there.
Ohio Department of Transportation crews salted the interstate after the crashes. Slick roadways may have been a contributing factor, and police reported roads becoming icy as temperatures fell after sunset. Light snow fell in the Tri-State throughout the day, with 1 to 2 inches of accumulation in most areas.
Instead of being patient, this driver tried to cut across a snow-covered grassy area. Now, he's waiting for someone to help him get unstuck. Don't be that driver. pic.twitter.com/3Fzfot0IgK
— Matt Bruning (@mbruning81) March 4, 2019
WCPO will update this story when more information becomes available.
