A new report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirms that the Swanton Township Toll Plaza played a part in the deadly crashes on the Ohio Turnpike on August 15, 2024.
The details: The incident began when a Toyota SUV, driven by Thupten Choedon, slowed down from 70 mph to 50 mph near the toll plaza and was hit from behind by a commercial vehicle.
- The SUV was pushed into a median, and the semi overturned, spilling hazardous materials.
- Two passengers in the SUV, Dawa Norbu and his father, Tenzin Drukgyal, were killed. Choedon and her daughter were seriously injured.
- This crash created a chain reaction leading to more accidents, involving multiple vehicles and resulting in another fatality and several injuries.
Choedon told investigators she was confused by the newly operational toll plaza, which had only been in use since April 2024. She expressed her frustration, stating, "They need to change the way it was designed."
Background: The toll plaza confusion has been a known issue, with many drivers reporting similar problems. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is still investigating the exact causes, according to WTOL.
What’s next: The NTSB continues its investigation and plans to release safety recommendations. The Ohio Turnpike Commission is awaiting these results before making any changes.
No additional injuries were reported among turnpike workers exposed to the hazardous materials. The crash investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.