A multi-vehicle collision involving a jackknifed semi truck prompted the closure of all southbound lanes on I-270 on the West Side of Columbus yesterday evening. The incident, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. near West Broad Street, was confirmed by a Franklin County dispatcher, who noted that several vehicles were involved but did not report any injuries at that time, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Following the crash, only the left shoulder was open for vehicles to maneuver past the scene, with traffic backing up and delays evident from Ohio Department of Transportation cameras. Yet, the dispatcher could not provide details on an expected timeframe for when the lanes might reopen, leaving the passage of cars at the mercy of the cleanup process.
According to NBC4i, the crash also summoned ODOT crews to salt a bridge icing cited by The Franklin County Sheriff's Office as the cause of the crash, which involved between five and seven other cars. Two individuals were taken to hospitals in stable condition, suggesting the potential gravity of the event even as no severe injuries were initially reported.
Complementing the response, multiple tow trucks were called to the scene in the past week, and a series of crashes on the same highway were also seen not too far away. This continuity of incidents raises concerns about traffic safety, particularly given that 36-year-old Haley Ziverts lost her life to such an accident, detailed in a report from NBC4i.
Further information on the recent I-270 southbound crash was sparse, as both ABC6 and other sources have yet to release details regarding the exact number of vehicles involved or a full account of injuries sustained. Investigations continue as authorities work to fully reopen the highway and ensure driver safety after multiple disruptive incidents.
