Columbus police are currently on the hunt for the driver of a black pickup truck implicated in a serious accident that led to a tanker truck catching fire on a busy highway, not only causing injuries but triggering a significant shutdown of Interstate 270. The incident, which took place on the northeast side of the city, has had a noticeable impact on traffic and safety in the area.
According to ABC6, the event occurred on Sunday afternoon when a pickup truck driver reportedly lost control on the exit ramp from Interstate 270 south to Route 161 and collided with the tanker. The violent crash was witnessed by Steve Bell, who recounted, "It was a huge fireball." The tanker, which was filled with approximately 8,500 gallons of fuel, overturned and was set ablaze, leading to a lengthy effort to reopen the ramp after more than 12 hours of closure.
As the frenzy unfolded, the driver of the tanker was immediately rushed to the hospital with minor injuries, while the black pickup was seen speeding off east on Route 161. The Columbus Fire Department had to utilize foam to extinguish the massive fire, with spokesperson Jeffrey Geitter confirming that the dangerous flames required prompt and aggressive action to contain, as reported by ABC6.
Details about the black pickup truck, which has become the subject of a city-wide search, were further provided by the Columbus police as they pieced together the chain of events leading to the accident. The pickup slammed into the tanker around 1:39 p.m., pushing it into a guardrail that contributed to its overturning and subsequent ignition. The paramedics were quick to take the tanker truck driver to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in stable condition. The Columbus Division of Fire reported that the fire was contained shortly after firefighters arrived at the crash site, "Black plumes of smoke could still be seen for miles," as detailed by a dispatcher in a statement acquired by The Columbus Dispatch.
While the immediate danger of the fire has passed, the incident has raised questions about safety on the highway, and the Columbus Division of Police is seeking assistance from the public to locate the errant driver. Witnesses or anyone with information regarding the black pickup truck involved in causing the tanker to flip and ignite are encouraged to come forward. The large plume of black smoke that marked the event stood tall, visible from both the highway and nearby neighborhoods, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of the crash and the need for community involvement in the ongoing investigation, as emphasized by WBNS.
