Semi Truck Driver Cited for Defective Equipment After Front Tire Detaches at 65 MPH, Crosses Median, and Strikes Oncoming Van on US-23 in Ohio
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, OHIO — A detached semi-truck tire crossed the center median on US-23 and struck an oncoming cargo van Friday morning, causing a two-vehicle crash that investigators attributed to defective equipment.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:59 a.m. on March 6, 2026, near milepost 22 in Harrison Township. A 2025 Freightliner Cascadia semi-tractor, operated by Jens Christian Korsgaard Kristensen, 59, of Xenia, was traveling northbound on US-23 when the driver's side front tire detached from the vehicle, crossed the center median, and entered the southbound lanes. A 2020 Ford Transit cargo van, driven by Prince Ampaw Agyapong, 47, of Columbus, was traveling southbound at the time and was struck by the rogue tire.
Despite the semi traveling at an estimated 65 mph and the van at 50 mph at the time of the collision, no injuries were reported at the scene. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and neither required transport to a medical facility. The Ford Transit sustained functional damage to its front end, while the Freightliner semi sustained minor damage from the blowout.
The scene was cleared by 7:45 a.m. with no significant long-term road closures. The investigation was led by Trooper Trevor J. Gerstenberger of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The semi-truck is owned by Interstate Truckway Inc. and was being operated for Rush Expediting LLC out of Dayton. Investigators cited operating defective equipment as the primary contributing circumstance of the crash.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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