Updated May 3, 2026, 11:13 p.m. ET
A semi-truck driver died after a fire engulfed a rig on northbound I-71 near the Lytle Tunnel in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, May 3.
Cincinnati Fire Department crews responded around 6:50 p.m. to the northbound lanes just before the tunnel, according to fire dispatch.
Heavy fire involved both the cab and trailer; firefighters removed the trapped driver, who died from injuries, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Flagler said.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-71 and U.S. 50 remained closed as of 9 p.m. because of the fire, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Cincinnati Police Department reported multiple shutdowns including Fort Washington Way and Columbia Parkway, with I-71 southbound traffic diverted to I-471.
Officials said I-71 northbound was expected to remain closed for several hours, with a goal to reopen by morning.
Flagler said an overpass sustained fire damage, but no structural issues were anticipated.
Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. No information on other vehicles or additional injuries has been released.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.