A truck traveling over 70 mph never slowed down as it plowed into a line of slow-moving traffic on an Ohio interstate, setting off a fiery chain-reaction crash that killed six people and injured dozens more, as People reports.

Federal investigators have found that the crash, which occurred on Nov. 14, 2023, was caused by the truck driver's inattention and absence of monitoring technology, leading to a deadly collision that involved a school bus, two commercial trucks, and two passenger vehicles.

The tragic events unfolded just before 9 a.m. local time on Interstate 70 near State Route 310 in Etna Township, Ohio. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jacob McDonald, the driver of a Freightliner combination vehicle, was traveling approximately 72 mph when he failed to react to stalled traffic ahead. The slowdown had been caused by an earlier minor accident.

While other vehicles on the roadway were moving between three and 15 mph, McDonald’s truck sped directly into the rear of the traffic queue. The high-speed impact caused a devastating chain collision among five vehicles, including a charter bus transporting students, two commercial trucks, and two passenger cars.

Three of the vehicles, including the charter bus, caught fire in the aftermath of the crash. The intense speed differential between McDonald’s truck and the slower vehicles, combined with the post-crash blaze, contributed significantly to the severity and fatal nature of the incident.

Investigators cite lack of oversight, warning systems

The 92-page NTSB report, released last week, concluded that McDonald had not responded to the "visibly slow-moving vehicles" due to unknown reasons. The agency emphasized that the lack of driver attention and insufficient technology within the commercial vehicle were central to the crash’s cause.

In a statement released with the report, the NTSB noted that no in-vehicle systems were present to redirect McDonald’s attention to the road. Additionally, there were no adequate strategies in place to alert drivers about the developing traffic queue on I-70, which might have helped prevent the disaster.

“Proven technologies can warn drivers of slowed traffic and prevent collisions before they happen,” said NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy. “What’s needed are stronger vehicle safety standards, better traffic incident management, and swift action on our recommendations. Lives depend on it.”

Victims include 3 teens, 3 adults

The violent crash claimed the lives of six individuals. Among those killed were three teens: John Mosley and Jeffery Worrell, both 18, and Katelyn Owens, 15. Three adults also died: Shannon Wigfield, 46, Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Dave Kennat, 56.

In addition to the fatalities, four people sustained serious injuries, and 37 others were treated for minor wounds. Many of the victims were occupants of the school charter bus, which had been stopped in the queue just before being struck.

The bus and at least one passenger vehicle were sandwiched between the two large trucks during the collision, leading to one of the most intense areas of damage. Flames engulfed the trapped vehicles, complicating rescue and recovery efforts at the scene.

Driver sentenced

Following a months-long investigation, Jacob McDonald faced criminal charges for his role in the fatal wreck. In May 2025, he was convicted of six counts of misdemeanor vehicular homicide. Prosecutors were unable to prove a higher level of recklessness necessary for felony convictions.

McDonald was sentenced to 18 months in prison in June 2025. Due to time already served, his expected release date is Jan. 17, 2026, according to records from the Licking County jail.

Mid State Systems, the trucking company operating the Freightliner, was contacted for comment by several media outlets on Sept. 26, 2025. As of press time, no public statement has been released by the company.

Lessons to learn

1. Always stay alert and aware of traffic shifts: Distraction behind the wheel -- even momentary -- can have catastrophic consequences. Drivers of all vehicles should actively scan the road ahead and be prepared for unexpected traffic conditions.

2. Support and demand safer vehicles: Whether you're a transportation professional or a citizen advocate, supporting legislation and safety standards that require in-vehicle monitoring systems can help prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

3. Accept that crime and accidents can happen to anyone: While safety awareness helps, it's important to remember that victims are never to blame. Many crashes occur due to factors outside the victims' control. Responsibility should always lie with those whose actions or systems failed to prevent harm.

Why this story matters

This story shines a light on the ongoing safety issues within the commercial trucking and transport industry. It’s a devastating reminder of how one moment of inattention can ripple into a tragedy affecting dozens of lives.

By understanding the causes, we can advocate for changes that protect our communities on the road.