Christina M. Rivera, Cleveland, Ohio woman killed along Interstate 71 in Middleburg Heights after crashing into construction truck protecting paint crew on road. Incident marks 58th episode involving private contractor, Oglesby Construction in 2026.
A 31-year-old Cleveland, Ohio woman died after her vehicle struck a construction truck during roadwork in Middleburg Heights on Thursday.
Christina M. Rivera of Cleveland was driving a black 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV southbound on Interstate 71 (I-71) when she collided with a 2017 International, a large work vehicle, on Bagley Road about 11:30 p.m., according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Despite being rushed to hospital, Rivera mortally succumbed to her injuries.
Safety alert leads to tragedy
At the time of the crash, the construction truck had been blocking the far-right lane to protect a paint crew working in the road, according to the OSHP. The vehicle was equipped with flashing yellow warning lights that were operating.
A 62-year-old man was driving the work truck owned by private outlet, Oglesby Construction. He was transported to Southwest General Hospital for minor injuries.
No other road workers were injured.
58 of its private contractor vehicles struck by motorists in 2026
Of disconcert, the outlet stated having no less than 58 of its vehicles struck by motorists in 2026, Cleveland19 reported.
The roadway leading up to the crash was flat and straight, according to investigators. Both drivers wore safety belts at the time of the crash.
Authorities did not indicate whether any other factors contributed to the crash or how Rivera came to miss the flashing lights.
I-71 southbound was closed for approximately two hours during the crash investigation, with traffic diverted onto Bagley Road, the OSHP said.
The patrol is reminding motorists to move over or slow down and proceed with caution when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights.
