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ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- A driver was flown by medical helicopter to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Mercy after being involved in a two-vehicle accident early Sunday morning on Interstate 70.
His condition was unknown by local officials Monday afternoon.
Trooper Daniel Moran of the St. Clairsville Ohio State Highway Patrol said the wreck occurred around 6:45 a.m. near mile marker 215 in St. Clairsville. A FedEx semi truck traveling west struck the rear of a Chevy Blazer sending the vehicle off the right side of the road, where it overturned and caught fire. The driver of the Blazer, 67-year-old Henry Ater of Blanchester, Ohio, was trapped inside the vehicle. Several motorists stopped to aid Ater.
Moran said he arrived on scene just moments after the wreck. He was able to cut Ater's seatbelt and pull him out of the driver's side window. Cumberland Trail Fire Department responded and administered aid until the Healthnet helicopter arrived, landing on the interstate. Ater was then transported to UPMC. The extent of his injuries is unknown.
Christopher Gray, 57, of Topeka, Kansas, the driver of the semi truck, was uninjured. His female passenger was treated for minor injuries.
Moran said the cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Sgt. Brian McFarland said the outcome of the crash may have had an alternative outcome if it wasn't for Moran's quick response.
"If it wasn't for his efforts, the outcome of that crash could have been a lot worse," he said. "He did a great job."