'Avoid the area': 19 train cars involved in Stark County derailment after crash with Mack truck, multiple roads closed

NORTH LAWRENCE, Ohio — Authorities in Stark County are advising drivers that multiple roads are closed in connection with a train derailment in the 3700 block of Manchester Avenue Northwest in North Lawrence.

The derailment involves 19 train cars, according to fire officials.

“Avoid the area,” the Lawrence Township Police Department posted on Facebook around 9 a.m. Monday.

As a result, authorities say state Route 93 will be closed until further notice at Orrville and Youth. ODOT is assisting with road closures and detours.

No injuries have been reported at the scene.

“Very fortunate that nobody was hurt," North Lawrence Fire Lt. Brandon Johnston said. "But now we just have a big mess to clean up."

The situation started at 7:47 a.m. when the Canton post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol received a call for a crash at Route 93 (Manchester Avenue) involving a Norfolk Southern train and a Mack truck. Multiple residents in the area have taken issue with the lack of warning signs present at the scene.

“Right here with the railroad system, they probably ought to have some sort of flashing light up there around the bend for sure, to let people know," Don Harwig said. "Because once you get down here, you can basically end up right around the bend, not being seen, and be in a traffic accident."

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We streamed live video from the scene, which you can watch in the player below:

Sgt. Ray Santiago of the Highway Patrol tells 3News the crash caused the train to derail multiple tank cars -- all of which were empty. He said unsafe speed with the truck is suspected as the train was already traveling through the crossing when the collision occurred.

Nobody was hurt.

Stark County HAZMAT also responded to the situation.

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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated Akron fire story on Aug. 15, 2022.

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