Speed of 150 mph estimated 
in fatal collision on I-275

Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer
Author: Jennifer Edwards
Date: 2002/02/15

SHARONVILLE — A fatal crash involving several vehicles on Interstate 275 Thursday afternoon shut down both sides of the highway between the Reed Hartman Highway and U.S. 42 exits for hours, snarling traffic for miles.

Richard R. Harley, 23, of Loveland, was killed about 3 p.m. when he lost control of his Pontiac Trans-Am in the westbound lanes, crossed the median and slammed head-on into a tanker truck carrying 77,000 pounds of sulfuric acid, said Sharonville Police Sgt. Mark Preuss.

Mr. Harley, an active Air Force reservist, was going about 150 mph when he hit the truck, Sgt. Preuss said. A female passenger in Mr. Harley's car had to be extracted by rescue workers and was taken to Bethesda North Hospital.

“It was one of the worst (wrecks) I have ever seen,” Sgt. Preuss said. “You can see how one person can ruin everybody's day.” Mr. Harley's vehicle also hit several other cars, trapping at least six people who had to be freed by rescue workers. Most had serious injuries and were taken to hospitals, Sgt. Preuss said. Further details weren't available late Thursday.

Because the truck was carrying hazardous material and the crash scene was close to neighborhoods and Sharon Woods Park and Lake, police shut down the highway in both directions. None of the acid leaked from the truck, Sgt. Preuss said.

Police diverted motorists off westbound I-275 at Reed Hartman Highway. Lanes in both directions were reopened by 9 p.m.

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