Tanker Truck Fire on I-270
A serious accident occurred on the afternoon of June 22 when a black pickup truck lost control on the ramp from southbound Interstate 270 to eastbound State Route 161 in Columbus, Ohio. The pickup collided with a tanker truck carrying fuel, pushing it into a guardrail, overturning it, and causing a significant fire.
The crash happened at approximately 1:39 p.m., according to Columbus police. The tanker truck driver was taken to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in stable condition. However, the driver of the black pickup truck failed to stop, assist the injured tanker driver, and instead drove away east on State Route 161.
The incident led to the closure of all lanes in both directions on I-270 near State Route 161, with the ramps from State Route 161 to I-270 also shut down. The closure lasted for several hours, causing significant disruption.
The Columbus Division of Fire quickly contained the fire after arriving at the scene. Witnesses reported the incident to 911 around 1:40 p.m., and black plumes of smoke were visible from miles away.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency may need to respond to the incident due to the potential environmental impact.
Columbus police are now seeking information about the black pickup truck and its driver. Anyone with details can contact the Columbus police Accident Investigation Unit at 614-645-4767 or provide an anonymous tip to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
