In a moment that has since gone viral across social media, a Cincinnati traffic anchor watched a real-time car crash unfold on live television and barely caught himself from swearing on air.
KJ Jacobs, a meteorologist and traffic anchor for WCPO 9 News, an ABC affiliate in Cincinnati, was delivering a routine traffic report on the evening of August 6 when the collision happened. Jacobs was reporting from outside the station, discussing congestion around Interstate 71 North at Gilbert Avenue, where a car sat stalled in the center lane with its hazard lights blinking.
As Jacobs explained the slow traffic conditions to viewers, another vehicle suddenly exited an on-ramp early and slammed directly into the back of the stopped car. The impact occurred in real time while the camera’s live feed showed the entire scene behind the anchor.
Jacobs’ reaction was immediate and unfiltered. He began to say “Oh, sh…” before quickly catching himself mid-word and slapping his hand over his mouth. He immediately apologized to viewers, saying, “Oh, I’m so sorry. Literally just watched a crash happen in real time, and I almost said something inappropriate.” Despite the momentary slip, Jacobs professionally continued reporting on the accident, describing what he had witnessed.
The incident was captured on the 16-second traffic segment, which Jacobs later shared on social media. In his post on X, he captioned the clip: “LIVE TV!! OSh… First time seeing a crash during a traffic segment #blooper.” The post quickly gained traction, eventually accumulating over five million views and spawning thousands of shares.
The response from viewers and social media users was overwhelmingly sympathetic. Rather than criticizing Jacobs for nearly dropping an expletive, most comments praised him for his restraint and understanding. Users noted that his reaction was entirely natural and relatable given the circumstances. Many pointed out that the anchor had nothing to apologize for and that his candid response actually showcased authentic journalism in an unexpected moment.
Jacobs spoke with media outlets after the clip went viral, expressing surprise at how far the moment had reached. In more than 12 years working in television news, he said he had covered everything from tornadoes and hurricanes to major breaking news, but had never before witnessed a crash happen live on camera during his own broadcast. He reflected that the moment was one he would never forget.
Jacobs joined WCPO 9 in January 2025 as the station’s weekday morning traffic anchor and meteorologist. Before moving to Cincinnati, he worked at several news stations across the country, including WCNC in Charlotte, North Carolina; WTKR in Norfolk, Virginia; WPDE in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and WAFF in Huntsville, Alabama. A South Carolina native, he holds degrees in broadcast journalism from the University of South Carolina and in geosciences and meteorology from Mississippi State University.
His work has earned recognition in the industry, including a 2024 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for a weather education segment called “Weather IQ” that he produced while at his previous station in Charlotte. At WCPO, he is known for his educational segments and community engagement, including work with local students in STEM education.
While no serious injuries were reported from the I-71 crash, the incident served as a dramatic reminder of how unpredictable live television can be. Jacobs’ composed handling of an unexpected situation, despite his initial reaction, demonstrated the professionalism expected in broadcast news. The viral moment has made the traffic anchor an overnight internet sensation, proving that sometimes the most memorable moments on live television are the ones that are completely unplanned.