Authorities are investigating a fatal early morning crash involving a wrong-way driver on Interstate 71 in Columbus.
According to police, the collision occurred shortly after 2 a.m. Friday in the northbound lanes of I-71 near East Broad Street. Video released by the Ohio Department of Transportation through a public records request shows a black Chrysler Town & Country traveling southbound in the northbound lanes prior to the crash.
Investigators said the Chrysler collided with a blue Ford F-150 and a tractor-trailer. As traffic slowed in response to the initial crash, a Ram 1500 reduced speed to avoid the scene. Police report that the Ram was then struck from behind by another northbound tractor-trailer.
The driver of the Ram was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities later identified him as 53-year-old Sean Price. Officials have not released additional personal details.
The tractor-trailer involved in the secondary collision caught fire following the impact. Emergency crews responded to the scene and worked to manage the crash site while law enforcement began its investigation.
According to a crash report from the Columbus Division of Police, the driver of the Chrysler was located several hours later, around 8:04 a.m., south of the crash scene and west of I-71. Police said he was transported to a hospital for treatment of hypothermia.
Authorities have not announced whether charges will be filed. The crash report indicates that the driver left the scene on foot following the collision. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as they review evidence and determine the sequence of events.
An official with the Ohio Department of Transportation stated that preliminary video evidence suggests the Chrysler may have begun traveling in the wrong direction after merging from Interstate 670. Transportation officials said cameras captured the vehicle traveling the wrong way near the Cleveland Avenue area along I-670. However, authorities noted that it remains unclear how the vehicle entered the highway traveling in the opposite direction.
The incident caused significant traffic disruptions in the area as emergency responders and investigators worked at the scene. Portions of the interstate were temporarily closed while crews cleared debris and conducted a reconstruction of the crash.
Law enforcement continues to examine surveillance footage, witness statements, and roadway conditions as part of the investigation. Officials are urging drivers to remain alert and to immediately report any vehicles traveling the wrong direction on highways.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Columbus Division of Police. Updates will be provided as more details become available.
