INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — We're following two deadly crashes that happened in Northeast Ohio early Friday morning, including one on I-77 South in Independence and another along Route 2 East in Lorain County.
I-77 SOUTH
Authorities say two people have died following a three-vehicle crash on I-77 South near Rockside Road in Independence.
It was around 12:32 a.m. when a 2017 Ford hatchback went off the left side of the roadway, struck the median wall and became disabled in the far-right lane, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
"A 2022 Chevrolet hatchback was parked in front of the Ford in the far-right lane for an unknown reason at this time, but was not involved in the original crash," authorities said in a press release.
Authorities say the Ford's driver exited his vehicle after the initial crash as did both people from inside the Chevrolet, according to the Highway Patrol.
That's when a 2018 Freightliner traveling in the far-right lane struck the Ford and Chevrolet. All three people outside of their vehicles were also struck as the Freightliner then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a guardrail as it overturned, officials said.
Both occupants of the Chevrolet -- identified as 32-year-old Gertrude Stutler of Rittman and 29-year-old Johnny Brooks Jr. of Wadsworth -- were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford, identified as a 37-year-old man from Broadview Heights, was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the Freightliner was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries and later released.
All lanes of I-77 South were closed in the area for several hours. Multiple ramps accessing I-77 South were also closed.
ROUTE 2 EAST
One person has died following an early morning crash on Route 2 East near Middle Ridge Road in Lorain County.
Authorities say it was around 4:54 a.m. when a 2018 Dodge Journey, driven by 30-year-old Jean C. Berrios-Cruz of Lorain, went off the left side of the road and overturned.
Berrios-Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Route 2 East was closed for several hours after the crash.
The incident remains under investigation.
