JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, Ross County (Feb. 11, 2026) — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a late-night crash involving two commercial vehicles that shut down eastbound U.S. 35 near Chillicothe.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:01 p.m. Tuesday near milepost 34 in Jefferson Township.
According to the patrol, a 2026 Freightliner semi driven by Ronoldo Baccas, 26, of Jamaica, New York, was traveling southeast on U.S. 35 when it went off the right side of the roadway. Investigators said the driver overcorrected, causing the truck to overturn and re-enter the roadway.
The overturned Freightliner struck two road signs before coming to rest in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 35.
Moments later, a 2025 Volvo semi operated by Jason Keith, 49, of Lancaster, Ohio, was also traveling southeast on U.S. 35 and collided with the overturned truck. After impact, the Volvo traveled off the left side of the roadway, striking a guardrail and a bridge pillar.
Keith sustained minor injuries and was transported by Jefferson Township EMS to Adena Regional Medical Center.
Baccas was airlifted by MedFlight to Grant Medical Center in Columbus. Authorities said he is listed in stable condition.
As a result of the crash, eastbound U.S. 35 was closed at Vigo Road. The Ohio Department of Transportation established a detour and remained on scene overnight.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Township Fire and EMS, and ODOT assisted at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
