Franklin Township officials responded swiftly Tuesday morning after a near‑miss collision on Morningstar Road involving a Freightliner tanker and an unidentified dark‑colored sedan. The incident, which occurred around 8:30 a.m., forced the tanker driver, 66‑year‑old Denny Riddell, to steer off the roadway to avoid a head‑on impact when the sedan crossed into the northbound lane.
Injuries and emergency response
Riddell and his passenger, 55‑year‑old Bobby Hatton, suffered serious but non‑life‑threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). Both men remain hospitalized as they recover.
Hazardous material spill
The Freightliner was hauling liquid propane, and an undetermined amount of diesel fuel was released during the incident. Local fire and hazardous‑materials crews secured the scene, contained the spill, and began cleanup operations. The road remained closed for more than four hours while the teams worked to remove the hazardous material and ensure the safety of motorists.
Investigation ongoing
OSHP investigators are still gathering information about the dark‑colored sedan that fled the scene. Troopers have asked anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have additional details to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Lebanon Post at (513) 932‑4444.
Community impact
The temporary closure of Morningstar Road caused delays for commuters and local businesses. Residents were advised to use alternate routes while the cleanup continued. The swift response by emergency personnel helped prevent a larger environmental incident and minimized disruption to the surrounding neighborhood.
Safety reminder
Officials reminded drivers to remain vigilant, especially when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Maintaining a safe following distance and avoiding sudden lane changes can help prevent near‑miss situations that could lead to serious injuries or environmental hazards.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol to aid the ongoing investigation.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
