[TheHag]

ANDERSON TWP., Ohio - One eastbound lane of I-275 at Five Mile Road in Anderson Township remains closed after a fiery crash involving a semi truck and a minivan shut down both directions of the interstate Wednesday evening.

The accident happened around 5:45 p.m., and fire crews stayed on the scene overnight trying to clear the highway.

Crews have not released when the last lane will be reopened. Workers on the scene tell 9 News they are waiting for state highway and bridge inspectors to arrive Thursday to double check the integrity of the highway and expressway overpass where the crash occurred.

Witnesses say the semi-truck was heading east on I-275. They say the driver lost control, swerved to the left and hit a guardrail. Witnesses say the truck caught fire and when it came to a stop, it exploded.

Police say the truck was carrying about 250 pounds of diesel fuel.

The explosion forced a mini van that was in front of the truck to fall off the overpass and drop about 50 feet.

Both people inside the van were transported to University Hospita. They are identified as 47-year-old Chester Johnson of Williamsburg and 74-year-old Robert Althaus of Batavia. Johnson is listed in fair condition while Althaus is listed in critical condition.

Police say the driver of the semi truck, 41-year-old Leslie Gough of Sidney, Ohio, escaped the crash with minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Anderson Hospital.

Firefighters began using foam to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading. They are encouraging drivers to avoid the interstate and seek alternate routes.

[sprchrgdtrky]

[Airbornemama]

Now that's a fire!!!!!

[SnowBun]

woah !!!