17-year-old driver killed in wrong-way, head-on crash that closed I-71 for hours, OSP says

WARREN COUNTY, Ohio (WXIX) - A 17-year-old male behind the wheel of an SUV traveling the wrong way on Interstate 71 died in a crash with a semi tractor-trailer early Thursday, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The 1:39 a.m. crash closed both sides of the highway at different times through most of the morning commute, causing lengthy delays.

The teen’s 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes when it struck the semi head-on, state troopers say.

Both vehicles traveled off the southeast side of the road and the semi overturned, according to a news release.

The semi driver, identified as Bennoit Mapango, 30, of Maple Heights, was transported by ambulance to Mercy Health – Kings Mills Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 17-year-old male succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.

In addition to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Mason Police Department, Deerfield Township Fire Department & EMS, Warren County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Department of Transportation and Sandy’s Towing all responded.

OSP is continuing to investigate.

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