Michigan Truck Driver Killed in Fiery Multi-Semi Crash on I-75 in Allen County
BATH TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A tragic crash involving three semi-trucks claimed the life of 37-year-old Mazen Mammo of Madison Heights, Michigan, on Wednesday morning along a busy stretch of Interstate 75 in Allen County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred at approximately 10:13 a.m. near the State Route 81 exit, when traffic in the southbound lanes had slowed to a stop. Investigators reported that Mammo was operating a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia when he collided with the rear of a 2020 Volvo 860 semi driven by 63-year-old Nardini Salvatore of Jacksonville, Florida. Salvatore’s truck was pushed forward into a third vehicle, a 2017 Freightliner Cascadia operated by 73-year-old Jean Fervil of McDonough, Georgia, who was also waiting in stopped traffic.
The impact ignited Mammo’s truck, engulfing it in flames. Despite immediate emergency response, Mammo sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His remains were transported by Allen Mortuary Services to the Lucas County Morgue for further examination.
Other Drivers Injured, but Expected to Recover
Both Salvatore and Fervil suffered minor injuries in the chain-reaction crash. They were transported to Lima Memorial Hospital for treatment and are expected to recover.
All three vehicles sustained severe damage, with Mammo’s Freightliner completely destroyed by fire. Multiple towing companies were required to remove the wreckage, and fire crews spent hours extinguishing flames and managing hazardous conditions from the crash.
Hours-Long Highway Closure
The southbound lanes of I-75 were closed for several hours as troopers conducted their investigation, emergency crews worked to secure the scene, and cleanup teams cleared debris. The closure caused significant traffic delays, forcing drivers to reroute around Bath Township.
Responding agencies included Bath Township Fire and EMS, Lima Fire and EMS, Perry Township Fire and EMS, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, the Coroner’s Office, Allen County EMA, and the Allen County EPA. The Ohio Department of Transportation also assisted with traffic control and cleanup operations.
Investigation Ongoing
The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed that the crash remains under active investigation. Troopers are reviewing roadway conditions, vehicle performance, and driver actions to determine what factors may have contributed to the fatal collision.
A Stark Reminder of Highway Risks
The death of Mazen Mammo underscores the risks of highway travel, particularly when involving large commercial vehicles. Authorities noted that high-impact collisions with semis often result in severe outcomes due to the size, weight, and force of the vehicles involved.
As the investigation continues, Mammo’s family and colleagues are left grieving the loss of a man whose life ended suddenly and tragically on the road.
