Snowplow injures 12

Updated 3 p.m. Tuesday: MILAN — Dozens of vehicles were struck by ice and debris thrown by a snowplow on the Ohio Turnpike on Sunday. Forty cars were struck over a stretch of several miles between Ohio 4 and U.S. 250 early Sunday afternoon, according to a release issued Monday by the Ohio Turnpike Commission. A westbound snowplow was throwing snow, ice and slush over the median onto the eastbound lanes. "This appears to have occurred over a couple miles, resulting in damage to approximately 40 cars and trucks, caused accidents, and unfortunately, injuries," according to Ohio Turnpike Commission executive director Ferzan Ahmed. Twelve people were injured in the incident, according to a release issued by the Ohio State Highway Patrol on Monday and received by the Register Tuesday afternoon. The turnpike commission stated it provided a news release Sunday to media companies that contacted it. No information was sent to other media companies, including the Register, which is based in Erie County, where the accident occurred, between Sunday afternoon and Monday afternoon. It's also not clear if any of the injuries were considered severe or if anyone was hospitalized. Some motorists involved in the incident were transported from the scene to the Milan Ohio State Highway Patrol post as well as to a local hotel and restaurant, according to the release. "This was an isolated incident involving a single operator and is not representative of our employees or our operations," Ahmed said. The snowplow driver was placed on administrative leave and sent for mandatory drug and alcohol testing, the release states. Anyone involved in the incident who wants to file a property damage claim with the Ohio Turnpike can do so by visiting this website: ohioturnpike.org/travelers/property-damage-claim. More crashes Monday Roads in the county did not improve much as the workweek started. The Erie County sheriff issued a Level 2 road advisory in effect just after 1 p.m. Monday as snow continued to fall throughout the morning and afternoon. Sheriff Paul Sigsworth said the advisory means snow is blowing or drifting on roads and only those who deem it necessary to travel should be on roadways. In a span of 50 minutes, Erie County deputies were called to all corners of the county to respond to road crashes, including an overturned semi-truck. Here is a breakdown of the crashes reported in Erie County: • 11:39 a.m. — Old Plank and Shawmill roads, Milan, two-vehicle crash, no injuries reported. • 12:22 p.m. — Ohio 4 and Portland Road, Groton Township, vehicle crashed into pole, minor injuries reported. • 12:25 p.m. — 2100 block Cleveland Road (U.S. 6), Huron Township, three-vehicle crash, possible injury reported. Three vehicles crashed on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6) Monday afternoon. Provided photo/PATRICK PFANNER • 12:47 p.m. — Lowell Street, Castalia, vehicle strikes fence, no injuries reported. • 12:49 p.m. — Ohio 113 and Green Road, Florence Township, Semi runs off the road, strikes a guardrail veers into wooded area and overturns, possible minor injuries reported. Sigsworth said that there was sufficient personnel to handle the crashes. School resource officers, not working in schools due to snow closures Monday, assisted with road patrols. "It's very fortunate that these injuries were minor and that no one was seriously hurt," Sigsworth said. "It was clear based on info from the deputies on the roads, icing was widespread throughout the county." The Level 2 road advisory remained in effect as of Monday evening. Sigsworth said conditions will continue to be monitored throughout the night. Weather outlook According to forecasts, the Sandusky area will get a brief respite from snowfall but will get no break from the bone-chilling cold: • Tuesday: Cloudy during the day with a high near 19 degrees. Wind chill could drive "real feel" temperature as low as -1. Slight chance of snow showers before 11 p.m. and then partly cloudy with a low near 3 degrees. • Wednesday: Mostly sunny during the day with a high near 14 degrees Wind chill could drive temperatures as low as -8. Most clear at night with a low near 2 degrees. • Thursday: 20% chance of snow after 1 p.m. but otherwise partly sunny with a high near 27 degrees. 60% chance of snow at night, mainly before 1 a.m., with a low near 19 degrees. Editor's note: This story was changed to reflect information the turnpike commission provided on Sunday, and information the State Highway Patrol released Monday.