Traffic on Interstate 71 ground to a halt in both directions Saturday evening near the US‑36/SR‑37 interchange in Delaware County after a fiery multi‑vehicle crash that the Ohio State Highway Patrol says involved a semi and about a dozen other vehicles. The collision was reported at roughly 6:27 p.m., and firefighters moved in quickly to knock down flames while troopers shut the roadway to keep drivers out of danger. Officials urged motorists to steer clear as the Ohio Department of Transportation worked on alternate routing.
According to NBC4, the patrol confirmed that a semi was among the vehicles involved and that the wreck ultimately included 12 vehicles. The station reported that crews remained on scene into the evening and that ODOT was handling detours, though there was still no timetable for when the interstate might reopen. As of that report, local authorities had not released any information about injuries or a possible cause.
Scene and local response
The crash happened at the busy I‑71 and US‑36/SR‑37 interchange, Exit 131, a freight and commuter chokepoint north of Columbus. A prior study by the Ohio Department of Transportation flagged congestion and safety concerns at the junction, the kind of issues that can make cleanup and traffic control after a major wreck even more complicated.
Traffic impacts and what drivers should do
Drivers can expect serious backups on I‑71 and on nearby routes as crews clear the scene. NBC4 reported that ODOT was still working on a formal detour late Saturday. Troopers have asked motorists to avoid the interchange altogether and to follow posted detour signs once they are fully in place. Anyone heading through central Ohio should check traffic reports and consider alternate paths until officials give the all clear.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating and has not yet released a full account of what triggered the chain reaction. This story will be updated when the patrol or the Ohio Department of Transportation releases more information or reopens I‑71 through the area.
