Illegal-height semi-trailer strikes turnpike bridge, debris kills motorist traveling behind

The Milan Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash involving an illegal trailer on a semi, a bridge under construction , and a vehicle hit by debris from the impact.

Investigators say that at 11:02 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike near mile post 84 in Sandusky County, an illegal over-height commercial vehicle struck the underside of a bridge which was under construction.

Construction apparatus was dislodged from the bridge and struck a passenger car traveling directly behind the commercial vehicle.

The driver of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, whose name is being held at this time, suffered severe facial cuts and injuries. He was transported from the scene of the crash by Sandusky County Life Squad to Toledo St. Vincent Hospital, but died before arrival.

The driver of the commercial vehicle, Steven John Beheng, age 58 of Miltona, Minnesota, was driving a 2019 International semi hauling a drop-deck trailer. There were several smaller cargo trailers with ramps on the trailer.

The rear cargo trailer had ramps secured in an upright position. These ramps, which were illegal in height, struck the construction apparatus.

The crash remains under investigation and neither alcohol nor drugs are suspected as a factor in this crash. Assisting at the scene was Ohio Turnpike Maintenance Department, Lucas County Coroner’s Office, and Madison Motors.