WCPO-TV meteorologist and traffic anchor KJ Jacobs was shocked as he watched two vehicles collide on the highway camera behind him during a live traffic report broadcast.
Jacobs had been pointing out a stopped car along northbound Interstate 71 near Gilbert Avenue. As traffic passed on either side, another vehicle approached from the ramp area and struck the stopped car.
His surprise was immediate and nearly included an on-air expletive. Jacobs stopped himself, covered his mouth and apologized before explaining that he had witnessed a crash in real time.
Jacobs later shared the 16-second clip on his own social media accounts and labeled it a blooper.
Highway camera captures the collision behind him
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The original Facebook reel shows Jacobs discussing the stopped vehicle before another car crosses the screen, hits it and brings the live report to an abrupt pause.
Jacobs works on Good Morning Tri-State for WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, an ABC affiliate. His official station biography identifies him as both a traffic anchor and meteorologist.
The stopped vehicle’s hazard lights appear to be flashing in the footage. However, the short clip does not explain why it stopped or what caused the approaching driver to collide with it.
The video ends before police, firefighters or medical personnel arrive. No official agency had publicly identified the drivers or released details about injuries or citations as of Aug. 7.
What drivers should do after a crash
The Ohio Driver Manual advises drivers with a disabled vehicle to move off the road when possible and turn on their emergency flashers. Drivers should not attempt to push or repair a vehicle while standing in an active travel lane.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol also advises stranded motorists to remain with their vehicles, keep their seat belts fastened, and contact authorities for help. Drivers can call #677 to report an accident or breakdown on an Ohio highway, according to the state’s OHGO travel service.
Anyone facing an immediate danger should call 911. Passing drivers should slow down, watch for stopped traffic and leave additional space to react safely.