A Cincinnati traffic reporter, KJ Jacobs of WCPO 9, narrowly avoided an on-air expletive when he witnessed a car crash unfold in real-time during a live broadcast.
Jacobs was detailing traffic flow on Interstate 71 on Thursday evening when a two-car collision occurred. He had been pointing to a stopped vehicle on the highway's shoulder with its hazard lights on when a second car, attempting to change lanes, struck the stopped vehicle from behind.
"Traffic is slowing down on both sides around this car, as well as that on ramp. Oh shi-" Jacobs began, before stopping himself. He quickly apologized to viewers, appearing visibly shaken.
"I'm so sorry," he said. "Literally just watched a crash happen in real time, and I almost said something inappropriate."
The incident, which spanned approximately 15 seconds, was captured on the live stream. Jacobs later posted a clip of the moment to X and Facebook, where it garnered millions of views.
"First time seeing a crash during a traffic segment #blooper," Jacobs wrote on X. The following morning, he provided an update on the crash, stating, "Crash involving two drivers... First responders on scene. Expect slow downs and lane closures."
No further details regarding the crash have been publicly released. I-71 is a significant 345-mile transportation corridor serving Ohio and Kentucky. The anchor's near-slip and subsequent composure have since gone viral.
