Semi Causes Extensive Damage to Kenton Storefront After Wednesday Detour Violation!

On Wednesday morning, a semi-truck caused significant damage to a business in Kenton, Ohio, after the driver ignored a clearly marked detour and drove straight into the building. The crash happened around 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of South Detroit Street and East Franklin Street. Witnesses say the truck failed to turn where the detour sign directed, continuing straight and hitting the corner of the building.

According to the Kenton Police Department, the semi was heading northbound when the driver failed to follow a posted construction detour. That route was set up due to ongoing roadwork in the area. Officials say detour signs were visible well ahead of the intersection.

The truck driver, whose name has not yet been released, lost control of the vehicle as it tried to maneuver through a tight turn not meant for large trucks. The semi’s trailer scraped a traffic pole and hit a sidewalk curb before plowing into the front corner of the business. The force of the crash shattered glass windows, bent a steel support beam, and damaged part of the store’s foundation.

Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, closing off the block to traffic and making sure no one was trapped inside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The business was closed at the time, and no employees or customers were present inside.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) had installed clear detour signs along the area weeks before, warning commercial drivers to take alternative routes. You can view ODOT’s current road advisories here.

A spokesperson for the Kenton Police said the driver will likely face citations for failure to follow traffic control devices and may also be responsible for covering the cost of property damage.

The building houses a family-run local business that’s been part of the community for years. The owner, speaking with local news outlets, said they were “shocked and heartbroken” after receiving a call from police about the crash. “We’ve put everything into this place. Seeing it like this was painful,” the owner shared.

The estimated cost of repairs is still being assessed, but early estimates suggest structural damage alone could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Cleanup crews have already boarded up the damaged windows, and construction teams are expected to begin repair work later this week.

The incident has raised questions about whether larger warning signs or stronger physical barriers should be placed at detour intersections to prevent similar incidents in the future. Local residents said that while the signs were visible, they may not have been enough to deter inattentive drivers unfamiliar with the area.

This isn’t the first time a commercial vehicle has gotten into trouble in downtown Kenton due to detour confusion. In fact, city officials have been reviewing past crash reports to identify patterns in driver behavior and consider ways to enhance road safety.

Officials from the Kenton City Council say they plan to review the detour route and signage once the area is reopened. They’re also working with local businesses to make sure affected storefronts are supported during reconstruction. More details on city traffic management plans can be found on the City of Kenton’s official website.

As of now, the semi has been towed, and police are continuing their investigation. The driver is cooperating with authorities. There’s no official word yet on whether charges beyond citations will be filed.

Drivers traveling through Kenton are advised to stay updated on ongoing detours and road closures and to follow all posted signs carefully. City workers are working to restore traffic flow, but delays are expected in the area through the rest of the week.

The business owner is hopeful they’ll be able to reopen soon, but they’re still waiting for damage assessments and insurance updates. “We’re thankful no one was hurt,” they said. “That’s the most important thing.”