The driver of a tractor trailer that crashed into a median, exploded and closed Interstate 80 to for several hours last week will not face charges.
The accident happened about 4:40 a.m. Wednesday after Robert Weirick, 58, of Youngstown lost control of his semi that was hauling two trailers and slammed into the bridge about one mile west of U.S. Route 62. One of the trailers went over the side of the bridge, and there were several explosions. He'd been hauling ethanol, propane and other petroleum-based substances.
Police said Weirick will not face charges, and that heavy braking at the time of the crash backed up his story that another car had cut him off causing the accident.
The westbound lanes of I-80 were closed for most of the day Wednesday, and one reopened Wednesday evening. The other westbound lane was reopened Thursday after guardrail and pavement repairs were made.
