BOTKINS — Three crashes on Interstate 75 north between mile marker 104 and 111 occurred over an eight-hour period on Monday. The initial, early morning, crash caused traffic to be backed up for miles and was a factor in the following two crashes.

According to the Lima News, the first crash involved a commercial semi-tractor trailer that flipped on its side early Monday morning at mile marker 111 in Auglaize County.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol told the Lima News, at approximately 4:21 a.m. Monday morning, a 2015 Volvo pulling a bulk trailer loaded with plastic pellets was northbound on Interstate 75 in the left lane. The unit traveled left striking the guardrail, causing the unit to roll over. The unit came to a rest on its left side completely blocking the northbound lanes of Interstate 75. After coming to a rest, the power unit caught fire.

The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to Lima Memorial Health System by Wapakoneta EMS.

All lanes of Interstate 75 were closed for approximately three hours and a detour was provided to assist northbound traffic. Two lanes opened around 10 a.m. and all lanes were open by 11 a.m.

The crash remains under investigation.

OSP Trooper James Davis told the Sidney Daily News, the second crash, involving two semitrailers and two passenger cars, occurred around 7 a.m. at mile marker 106. Davis said the crash was caused by a large backup due to the extensive ongoing clean-up.

The call for the third crash, which involved a Honda CR-V and a Chevrolet Aveo at mile marker 104, came in at 12:27 p.m. Botkins Police, Botkins Fire, Anna Rescue and OSP responded, as well as an officer from Jackson Center Police Department, who was nearby from an earlier crash. Wapakoneta Rescue was also dispatched to the scene.

Shawn Sparks, 45, of Dayton, was cited for assured clear distance ahead after he failed to slow in time for slowing traffic and rear-ended the vehicle in front of him that was driven by Brian Alexander, 41, 438 N. Miami Ave., of Sidney.

Alexander, an adult female passenger and two children passengers were transported by Anna Rescue to St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

Sparks was transported by Anna Rescue to Lima Memorial Health System in Lima.

Davis said injuries from the third crash were relatively minor.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Interstate 75 was shut down by a two-vehicle crash early Monday afternoon near the Botkins exit. This was the second accident of the day near the exit ramp.

http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/10/web1_DSC_4560-1.jpgInterstate 75 was shut down by a two-vehicle crash early Monday afternoon near the Botkins exit. This was the second accident of the day near the exit ramp. Jason Alig | Sidney Daily News

Interstate 75 was shut down by a two-vehicle crash early Monday afternoon near the Botkins exit. This was the second accident of the day near the exit ramp.

http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/10/web1_DSC_4596-1.jpgInterstate 75 was shut down by a two-vehicle crash early Monday afternoon near the Botkins exit. This was the second accident of the day near the exit ramp. Jason Alig | Sidney Daily News

An Anna Rescue squad goes down the northbound exit ramp to reach the site of a two-vehicle crash early Monday afternoon. Six people were injured and transported to St. Rita’s and Lima Memorial hospitals, both in Lima.

http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/10/web1_DSC_4574-1.jpgAn Anna Rescue squad goes down the northbound exit ramp to reach the site of a two-vehicle crash early Monday afternoon. Six people were injured and transported to St. Rita’s and Lima Memorial hospitals, both in Lima. Jason Alig | Sidney Daily News

Two vehicles were involved in a crash on Interstate 75 near the Botkins exit Monday afternoon.

http://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2017/10/web1_Crash-copy.jpgTwo vehicles were involved in a crash on Interstate 75 near the Botkins exit Monday afternoon. Sheryl Roadcap | Sidney Daily News