Fatal crash of two semis closes Ohio Turnpike

A fatal crash involving two commercial vehicles claimed the life of one driver and closed the westbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike in Fulton County last night.

The Swanton Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred on Sunday (Aug. 4) at 7:35 p.m. on the Ohio Turnpike near State Route 108 in Dover Township, Fulton County.

The preliminary investigation determined a Freightliner semi operated by Anvar Azimov, 40, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was traveling westbound on the Ohio Turnpike. A Freightliner semi operated by Nikola Dobprosavljevic, 39, of Lewisville, Texas, was traveling eastbound on the Ohio Turnpike when his left front tire blew. Dobprosavljevic crossed the grass median and struck Azimov’s vehicle  head on. After impact, Dobprosavljevic’s Freightliner overturned.

Azimov succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene of the crash. Dobprosavljevic sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Wauseon Fire Department, Fulton County EMS, Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, and Bubba’s Towing.

The westbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike were closed for approximately four hours. The crash remains under investigation.