On August 15, 2024, the I-80 highway in Ohio became the site of a tragic event that resonated from Swanton, OH, to Utica, New York. Among the four victims who lost their lives was 20-year-old Ajla Vuković, a talented young woman from Utica who left an indelible mark on her community through her involvement in cultural dance and her academic accomplishments. Ajla, a graduate of SUNY Polytechnic Institute and an active member of the Bosnian Mladost Cultural Dance Ensemble, died in a crash involving a vehicle carrying sulfuric acid on the highway in Swanton, Ohio. The accident, which involved multiple collisions and the release of hazardous chemicals, had devastating consequences, taking lives and injuring several others.
Ajla was well-known for her passion for cultural dance and her dedication to her community, and her tragic death has left a void in the hearts of many. The community in Waterloo, Iowa, where she often participated in cultural events such as the 25th Krajiški Teferič, and beyond, was deeply affected by her untimely passing. Organizers of the event stated that Ajla will be honored during the upcoming gathering as a tribute to her contribution to preserving tradition and culture. News of her death has spread across social media and local communities, shocking and saddening many, especially her family, friends, and colleagues from the cultural and social clubs in which she was involved.
What Happened in the I-80 Accident?
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the accident occurred in the early hours of August 15 on I-80, near mile marker 49, heading east. The collision involved one commercial vehicle and one passenger vehicle. The commercial vehicle was carrying sulfuric acid, a hazardous chemical that further complicated the scene of the crash. Responders from Toledo quickly arrived at the scene, but they found a horrific scene of devastation. Four people, including Ajla Vuković, lost their lives due to severe injuries sustained in the crash.
The first accident occurred around 5:34 a.m., followed by two more accidents shortly after, making it one of the deadliest days on this stretch of highway. The second accident, which took place around 5:59 a.m., involved four commercial vehicles and one passenger vehicle. In this accident, one person was confirmed dead, and three others were taken to the hospital with injuries of unknown severity. The third accident occurred around 6:24 a.m. on the westbound side of the highway, near mile marker 50.8, and involved three commercial vehicles and two passenger vehicles. In that accident, one person was killed, and several others were injured.
In total, 13 vehicles were involved in the three separate accidents. Fire departments from 10 different units responded to the scene, with over 100 firefighters involved in the rescue efforts. The spill of sulfuric acid from the commercial vehicle posed an additional danger to the rescuers and those involved in the accidents, and several individuals were taken to the hospital for further evaluation due to potential exposure to the hazardous material. The condition of those patients is currently unknown, but the fire commander reported that all necessary steps were taken to ensure their safety and proper care.
Honoring Ajla Vuković
Ajla Vuković was a beloved member of her community, not only for her love of cultural dance but also for her dedication to education and mentorship. As a graduate of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Ajla was on a promising career path, and her life was filled with ambition and dreams. Through her involvement in the Bosnian Mladost Cultural Dance Ensemble, Ajla played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Bosnian culture and tradition among the youth in her community. Her presence at cultural events and her dedication to working with young people made her a role model to many.
Following her death, the Bosnian Mladost Cultural Dance Ensemble and other organizations in which she was active decided to honor her in a special way. During upcoming cultural events, Ajla will be commemorated, and her work and contributions to the community will be permanently remembered. The community in Utica, which witnessed her growth and success, is organizing various commemorations to honor her life and legacy.
In Waterloo, Iowa, where Ajla often participated in cultural celebrations, community members also expressed their grief. Ajla’s passion for dance and preserving Bosnian culture was contagious, and many fondly remembered the moments they shared with her at festivals and other events. Through dance, Ajla spread joy and a sense of community, and her energy and dedication will forever remain part of the collective memory of the community.
GoFundMe Campaign for the Vuković Family
As a sign of solidarity and support, friends and acquaintances of the Vuković family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of her transportation and funeral services. The campaign, which quickly gained attention, highlighted Ajla’s life story and her impact on the community. The organizers wrote how Ajla was more than just a community member—she was an inspiration to many due to her love for people and dedication to young people.
“With a broken heart, we share the devastating news that Ajla Vuković, a vibrant and loving 20-year-old, tragically lost her life in a car accident,” the campaign description read. “Ajla was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend, whose bright spirit touched everyone she met. Ajla was a member of many social clubs, as well as a mentor to our youth through her teaching.”
The funds raised will be used to alleviate the financial burden on the Vuković family, who are facing unimaginable loss. The organizers also expressed their gratitude to everyone who decided to help, regardless of the amount of their donation.
The tragedy that claimed the life of Ajla Vuković united many communities in mourning, but also in determination to support the family and preserve the memory of this incredible young woman. Ajla’s death left an irreplaceable void, but her legacy will continue to live on through the joy and love she brought to her community. Friends, family, and colleagues from cultural and social circles will continue to cherish her memory, celebrating her life in ways that reflect her values and her passion for culture and community.
The accident on I-80, which claimed four lives, including Ajla Vuković, serves as a reminder of the dangers of road traffic and the importance of safety measures, but also of the strength of the community in times of great sorrow.
