JACKSON, Ohio — A commercial milk tanker overturned Sunday afternoon on State Route 279 near Centerville, resulting in road closures, a hazardous material spill, and one person hospitalized.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:42 p.m. on July 27, when Joseph Penwell, 43, of Washington Court House, lost control of the eastbound semi-tanker while navigating a curve. According to the Jackson Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Penwell attempted to correct the vehicle’s path by swerving back into his lane, but the tanker rolled onto its left side.
As the tanker rolled, it collided with a westbound Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Michael Stroop, 57, of Oak Hill. Stroop’s vehicle was forced off the right side of the road and down a steep embankment, where it rolled multiple times before landing upright.
Penwell sustained minor injuries and was transported to Holzer Hospital in Gallipolis by emergency services. Stroop declined EMS transport but was later taken to a medical facility by his wife for evaluation. Penwell was cited for failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle.
The crash triggered an extended closure of State Route 279, which remained shut down until approximately 10:30 p.m., as recovery crews worked to remove the wrecked tanker and clean up the scene.
The tanker was hauling thousands of gallons of milk, which spilled onto the roadway and surrounding area. While milk may seem harmless, large quantities can pose significant environmental risks. Officials from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted that milk in waterways can deplete oxygen levels and damage aquatic ecosystems. The Madison Township Fire Department reported the spill to the Ohio EPA.
