Tuesday morning traffic in Prairie Township ground to a halt after a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 40 left one person dead and shut down the intersection at Alton Darby Creek Road, according to authorities. Emergency crews closed off the roadway while investigators worked the scene.
Investigators told WSYX/ABC6 that a red 2025 Ford Mustang was traveling westbound on U.S. 40 when a 2025 white Kenworth FedEx tractor-trailer traveling eastbound turned onto Alton Darby Creek Road and was struck by the Mustang. The Mustang came to rest in a ditch on the northwest corner of the intersection, while the Kenworth stopped in the middle of the intersection, blocking both eastbound and westbound lanes. According to WSYX/ABC6, the Mustang driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Kenworth driver was taken to Grant Hospital.
Where It Happened
The collision took place on U.S. 40, known locally as West Broad Street, a busy west-side corridor that has been the focus of regional planning and proposed transit upgrades. Funding lists and planning notes have identified the West Broad and U.S. 40 corridor for major improvements, including a proposed COTA bus-rapid-transit line running from downtown Columbus to Prairie Township. That long-term planning work has been detailed by the Greater Ohio Policy Center and other regional reporting.
Investigation and How to Help
The crash remains under investigation, and authorities say they are gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses. As reported by WSYX/ABC6, crews shut down the roadway while they worked the scene and later reopened traffic after completing the initial cleanup.
Anyone with video, photos, or information related to the crash is asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit at 614-525-6113, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials are expected to release additional details as the investigation continues. Drivers in the area should be prepared for occasional delays near the intersection while law enforcement wraps up its work and should follow local traffic advisories.
