CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A City of Circleville snowplow was struck by an SUV late Thursday night while crews were actively clearing snow in the downtown area, according to a crash report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The crash happened around 9:42 p.m. on Jan. 29 on U.S. Route 22 (East Main Street). Investigators said the snowplow was parked in the eastbound lane with emergency lights activated while conducting snow removal operations when it was hit by an eastbound vehicle.
Troopers identified the striking vehicle as a 2005 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 50-year-old woman from Amanda. The report indicates the crash was an angle collision involving a parked work-zone vehicle, and occurred on a snow-covered roadway under dark but lighted conditions.
The snowplow, an International dump truck owned by the City of Circleville, was operating as snow removal equipment in an active work zone. No city employees were listed as occupants of the plow at the time of the crash.
The Jeep driver sustained possible injuries and was transported by Pickaway Township EMS to a local medical facility. No serious injuries were reported.
According to the crash report, alcohol was suspected as a contributing factor, and the driver was cited for operating a vehicle at an unsafe speed for conditions, as witnesses reported that the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed before the collision. The investigation notes that the roadway was closed for approximately 90 minutes while crews cleared the scene and completed the investigation.
The City of Circleville reported that the plow truck vehicle may be totalled and not usable for snow operations and may need to be replaced.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to emphasize the importance of slowing down and moving over for road crews, especially during winter weather conditions when visibility and traction are reduced.
The crash remains under review.
