In a series of devastating crashes that occurred on the Ohio Turnpike, the Lucas County Coroner's Office has identified three of the four victims who lost their lives on Thursday. In a press release issued on Friday, the coroner's office confirmed the identities of the three individuals involved in the tragic incident. The remaining victim's identification is still pending, and the Fulton County Coroner's Office will provide that information in due course.

All four victims suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crashes on the Turnpike, according to the coroner's office. The incidents unfolded within the span of an hour and involved a total of 12 vehicles, leading to the closure of a 15-mile stretch of the Ohio Turnpike in Fulton and Lucas counties for most of Thursday. The wreckage also caused the spillage of sulfuric acid, adding another layer of complexity to the already tragic situation.

In relation to the crashes, authorities have apprehended a 24-year-old individual named Istam Naimov, who now faces charges of aggravated vehicular homicide as well as vehicular manslaughter due to negligence, classified as a second-degree misdemeanor. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crashes are being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), aiming to gather crucial information and insights.

The Lucas County Coroner's Office expressed that there are no expected updates over the weekend in regards to the identification of the fourth victim. The release of this information will be provided by the Fulton County Coroner's Office, as stated in the coroner's office press release.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can emerge on the roadways. Communities statewide are left mourning the loss of these individuals and contemplating the implications of reckless driving. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that stricter measures and awareness campaigns will help prevent such devastating accidents in the future.

Please stay tuned for further updates on this developing story. For the latest news, weather forecast, and live radar, download the WTOL 11 news app, available for both Apple and Android devices. Additionally, you can receive Morning Blast and Evening Blast newsletters, which deliver top stories from northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan, and beyond right to your inbox.