STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — An early-morning crash on U.S. 22 in Jefferson County turned deadly Tuesday, claiming the life of a Steubenville man and prompting an extensive investigation by state authorities. The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash involved a semi-truck hauling telephone poles and a crossover SUV and occurred in the westbound lanes just north of the split with State Route 7.
The crash happened around 5:30 a.m., a time when traffic is typically lighter but visibility can still be limited. Troopers later identified the driver who was killed as 34-year-old John David Ruiz of Steubenville. Ruiz was driving the crossover SUV when it collided with the commercial vehicle, officials said.
According to Lt. Robert Bodo of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the semi-truck, a Freightliner pulling a trailer loaded with telephone poles, was slowing and moving toward the berm so the driver could check the load. While the truck was pulling off, it was struck from behind by Ruiz’s vehicle. The impact was severe and caused the SUV to catch fire almost immediately.
“At that point the vehicle caught fire due to the crash,” Lt. Bodo said. Emergency crews arriving at the scene found the passenger vehicle engulfed in flames. Ruiz was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained during the collision and the subsequent fire. Authorities have not reported any injuries to the driver of the semi-truck.
The Steubenville Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire, while troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office secured the scene. Traffic along westbound U.S. 22 was impacted for several hours as crews worked to clear debris, remove damaged vehicles, and ensure the roadway was safe to reopen.
Investigators with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash reconstruction team were called in to analyze the scene in detail. Troopers are examining evidence such as vehicle damage, skid marks, and the position of the vehicles to determine the exact sequence of events. Officials have not said whether speed, distraction, or impairment may have contributed to the crash.
“We’re still investigating,” Lt. Bodo said. “We had crash reconstruction there this morning to look over the crash scene, so we’re waiting to talk to our crash reconstruction team to get a little more insight on the details of the crash.” As the investigation continues, loved ones are mourning the loss of John David Ruiz, while authorities are reminding drivers to remain alert and cautious, especially around commercial vehicles and stopped traffic during early-morning travel.
