Two people were injured, including a Canton firefighter, after a car struck a fire department vehicle that was blocking lanes at an earlier crash scene on Interstate 77 late Wednesday night.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 11:28 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, on I-77 southbound near milepost 107.5 in Canton.
Troopers said Canton police and firefighters were investigating an earlier crash that had occurred approximately one hour before the second collision.
Fire personnel had blocked the left and center lanes of the interstate, leaving the right lane open for southbound traffic.
Investigators said Rachel Dawkins, 38, of Magnolia, was driving a 2024 Toyota Corolla southbound in the center lane when she failed to slow down or move over.
Her vehicle struck a stationary 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe operated by Canton Fire Officer Christopher Burkhardt, 51, of Canton.
The impact caused the Toyota to overturn and slide off the right side of the roadway. The fire department’s SUV spun around and came to rest facing east.
Dawkins suffered serious injuries and was transported to Aultman Hospital by Canton EMS.
Burkhardt sustained minor injuries and was also taken to Aultman Hospital.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by Canton police, Canton firefighters and Canton Towing.
The crash remains under investigation.
