COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A four-vehicle crash in downtown Columbus resulted in at least one death, a fire and the closure of Interstate 71 North.
According to police, a vehicle traveling the wrong way caused a four-car crash and later started a fire on Interstate 71 northbound near the East Broad Street exit. Columbus Fire Chief Jeffrey Geitter told NBC4 one person was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Columbus police later confirmed one person died.
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In a released accident report, police said a black Chrysler Town & Country was traveling south in the northbound lane when it struck a Ford F-150 and a semi-truck traveling north. Minutes after the initial crash, a Ram 1500 slowed down to avoid a crash but was hit from behind by a second semi-truck.
ODOT traffic cameras captured the incident. NBC4 compiled this video showing the initial incident involving the wrong-way driver and the moments before the vehicle burst into flames in the second incident.
The driver of the Ram was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured, while the driver of the Chrysler fled.
When emergency crews arrived, one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames and all northbound lanes of I-71 were closed following the incident, which occurred just after 2 a.m. Additionally, the exit ramp from I-70 to the north side of I-71 is closed.
The highway reopened at 9 a.m. Friday after being closed for seven hours.
Anyone with information about the vehicle or driver involved is encouraged to contact the Crash Investigation Unit at (614) 645-4767. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477.
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