An 18-year-old driver was killed in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 77 Thursday afternoon, according to the New Philadelphia Highway Patrol Post. The crash occurred at approximately 2:18 p.m. near milepost 63 in Oxford Township.

Troopers reported that a silver 2010 Honda CR-V traveling north crossed the median into southbound lanes, striking a white Ford F-150 in the left lane. The collision caused the truck to leave the roadway and overturn. The CR-V then spun into the right lane, colliding with a blue 2022 Ram 1500, which also went off the road and struck a guardrail.

The drivers of the F-150 and Ram, along with four passengers in the Ram, were transported to Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center in Cambridge with minor injuries. The driver of the CR-V was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office.

The Ohio Department of Transportation assisted with road closures and traffic control, while multiple agencies, including the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, Newcomerstown EMS, Tri-County EMS, and the coroner’s office, responded to the scene.

Troopers stated that drugs and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing. The deceased driver’s name will be released once the family has been notified.