Drivers of a dump truck and an Ohio Department of Transportation truck suffered serious injuries when they were involved in a fiery crash Thursday morning on Interstate 77 North in Green.

The crash led to a fiery explosion, according to the Summit County Sheriff's Office. The incident apparently happened about 7 a.m. near Graybill Road. 

Deputies extricated both drivers from the trucks and they were then taken to a local hospital with at least one of the drivers having life-threatening injuries, according to a news release.

"Early today, an ODOT District 4 Highway Technician was struck alongside Interstate 77 in the city of Green. He was transported to a local hospital and is currently being treated with serious, but nonlife-threating injuries," District 4 Deputy Director Gery Noirot said in a statement. "We are extremely fortunate he is alive as this could have had a much different outcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family." 

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First responders blocked traffic just before the scene, causing significant delays for motorists as all lanes were initially closed.

As of 10:25 a.m., two lanes of I-77 North remained blocked at the crash scene, north of the Akron-Canton Airport. ODOT at one point earlier in the morning had estimated traffic delays of close to an hour during peak commuting time.

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ODOT video cameras showed vehicles off the highway and smoke coming from the scene. According to emergency services scanner traffic, trees were also on fire.

The sheriff's office said it is investigating the crash.

Beacon Journal reporter Jim Mackinnon can be reached at 330-996-3544 or jmackinnon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him @JimMackinnonABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/JimMackinnonABJ.