Fiery Crash on I-270 in Northeast Columbus
The Columbus Division of Police is searching for the driver of a black pickup truck involved in a dramatic crash on Interstate 270 on Sunday. Just before 1:40 p.m., a tanker truck carrying 8,500 gallons of gasoline was heading south on I-270 and preparing to exit onto state Route 161 East when the incident occurred.
According to police, the black pickup truck was traveling alongside the tanker when it lost control and struck the larger vehicle. The impact caused the tanker trailer to hit a guardrail, flip over, and catch fire. A massive plume of black smoke was visible to drivers and residents in nearby neighborhoods.
The driver of the pickup truck allegedly failed to stop or assist the tanker truck driver after the crash. Instead, the pickup truck left the scene, heading east on state Route 161. Fortunately, the tanker truck driver suffered only minor injuries and was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital for treatment.
The crash resulted in the closure of all lanes on state Route 161 East at I-270 South, including the off-ramp from I-270 northbound to Route 161, for over 15 hours. Crews worked diligently to clean up debris and inspect the damage. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) deemed the ramp safe for traffic, and the road reopened around 5:35 a.m. on Monday.
Anyone with information about the black pickup truck or its driver is urged to contact the Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit at 614-645-4767 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
