Authorities in Columbus, Ohio are investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash that occurred Friday afternoon on Interstate 70 East near the downtown corridor, close to the I-71 and State Route 315 interchange.
According to public safety dispatchers, the crash happened at approximately 4:10 p.m. near the Kelton Avenue exit and the I-71 split. Officials reported that at least seven vehicles were involved in the collision, which caused significant disruption to traffic in both directions.
Preliminary information indicates the incident may have been triggered when a semi-truck traveling westbound experienced a blown tire. The tire reportedly struck another vehicle, setting off a chain-reaction crash involving multiple cars on the interstate.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene following multiple 911 calls, some of which reported debris and a tire impacting vehicles along the roadway. One person was pronounced dead at 4:20 p.m., according to dispatch information. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, and it remains unclear whether additional injuries occurred.
Due to the severity of the crash, both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70 were shut down near Miller and Kelton Avenues. Traffic was diverted onto alternate routes, including I-670 East, as crews worked to clear the scene and investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Law enforcement officials have not released further details at this time, and the cause of the crash remains under active investigation. Authorities are continuing to reconstruct the sequence of events and assess the full extent of the incident.
Motorists in the area experienced significant delays as crews worked for several hours to manage traffic and secure the roadway.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional information is expected to be released by authorities as it becomes available.