The preliminary investigation shows that Faustin Muhire was operating a 2016 Freightliner hauling an empty trailer and traveling in the left middle lane.
James Barnett III was driving a 2022 Kenworth hauling a flatbed trailer that was loaded with aluminum coils and also in the left middle lane. Muhire slowed in the lane of travel for an unknown reason, according to the state patrol. Barnett swerved to the right, striking the right rear trailer.
Barnett’s vehicle overturned, drove off the left side of the roadway and into the concrete median. He was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by Liberty Twp. Fire and EMS paramedics, according to the state patrol. An autopsy is planned for Wednesday, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.
Muhire’s condition was not released by the state patrol.
Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash that remains under investigation, according to the state patrol.
Credit: Nick Graham
Credit: Nick Graham
It was at least the 287th fatality on Ohio roads this year, OSHP officials said. There were 333 at this time in 2021, the patrol said. It also was at least the eighth fatality on Butler County roads this year.
During the investigation, northbound traffic was rerouted on Ohio 129. That state route and other roads were packed with motorists who worked their way back onto northbound I-75.
Troopers were assisted on scene by members of the Ohio Department of Transportation, Butler County Sheriff’s Office and Liberty Twp. Fire and EMS.
As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, traffic was still slow in the area of the crash and backed up about a mile in both directions.
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