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Wrong‑Way I‑71 Crash Near Downtown Columbus Leaves One Dead, Driver Found Six Hours Later

Updated (7 articles)
  • Police are also searching for a driver of a wrong-way vehicle involved in the crash who allegedly ran away from the scene.
    Police are also searching for a driver of a wrong-way vehicle involved in the crash who allegedly ran away from the scene.
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    Police are also searching for a driver of a wrong-way vehicle involved in the crash who allegedly ran away from the scene. Source Full size

Crash Occurred Early Friday Near East Broad Street At 1:58 a.m. on Feb 13, a driver traveling south in the northbound lanes of I‑71 near East Broad Street collided with a Ford F‑150 and a semitruck, initiating a multi‑vehicle pileup that blocked all lanes and raised explosion concerns [1][2][3]. Video from the Ohio Department of Transportation shows the black Chrysler Town & Country striking the first two vehicles, followed minutes later by a second semitruck hitting a slow‑moving Ram 1500 [1][3]. Dispatchers reported a smoking rim and fears of fire, prompting a prolonged traffic shutdown [1].

Sean Price Killed After Ejection and Vehicle Fire The chain‑reaction crash ejected 53‑year‑old Sean Price from his Ram 1500, which spun, caught fire, and landed under the first semitruck; he was pronounced dead at Grant Medical Center [2][3]. The other drivers—including the Ford F‑150 operator and both semitruck drivers—escaped injury and required no medical care [2]. ODOT notes that wrong‑way crashes constitute roughly 0.01 % of Ohio crashes but are about 40 times more likely to be fatal [3].

Wrong‑Way Driver Fled, Located Six Hours Later After exiting the vehicle, the driver disappeared; police found him roughly six hours after the incident, south of the scene and west of I‑71, and transported him to Grant Medical Center for hypothermia treatment [1][2][3]. Authorities have not announced any charges, and the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office says the investigation remains open [1]. The Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit continues to solicit tips, providing the number 614‑645‑4767 [2][3].

ODOT Implements Additional Safety Measures In response to the crash, ODOT installed extra “do not enter” signs, red‑reflector pavement markings, and driver‑detector systems along the corridor to deter wrong‑way travel [3]. Officials emphasize that such crashes are rare but deadly, underscoring the need for public vigilance [3]. The investigation unit urges anyone with information about the Chrysler driver or the crash to contact them [2][3].

Sources

Timeline

Dec 18, 2025 – A dump truck strikes Pamela Atkinson’s car on northbound I‑270 near West Broad Street, then continues north while her vehicle spins into the left lane and stops by the concrete barrier; Atkinson is unharmed and OSHP classifies the incident as a hit‑skip, urging anyone with information to call the Columbus Post (614‑466‑2660) [5].

Jan 8, 2026 – Twenty‑one‑year‑old Brayden Duncan dies after his 2004 Honda slides into a barrier and is hit by a semi‑truck on westbound I‑90 near Snoqualmie Pass; Washington State Patrol cites “driving too fast for the road conditions” as the primary cause amid a Winter Storm Warning that deposits about 13 inches of snow [7].

Jan 14, 2026 – Thirty‑one‑year‑old Andrew McGee is pronounced dead at the scene of a three‑vehicle collision at Township Road 148 and Route 586 in Clay Township, Knox County, after a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox runs a stop sign and strikes his Honda Fit; investigators note McGee was not wearing a seatbelt and find no alcohol or drugs involved [4].

Jan 21, 2026 – Twenty‑two‑year‑old Momina Khan dies when a 27‑year‑old Chevrolet Silverado crosses the median on northbound I‑5 in Ferndale, collides with a white Tesla and a Hyundai Tucson; Washington State Patrol reports no drugs or alcohol were factors, and southbound I‑5 remains closed for about five hours before reopening at 9:15 p.m. [6].

Feb 13, 2026 – At 1:58 a.m. a black Chrysler Town & Country travels south in the northbound lanes of I‑71 near East Broad Street, striking a Ford F‑150 and a semitruck, then a second semitruck hits a slowed Ram 1500; 53‑year‑old Sean Price is ejected, his vehicle catches fire, and he later dies at Grant Medical Center; ODOT’s Matt Bruning notes wrong‑way crashes comprise roughly 0.01 % of Ohio crashes but are about 40 times more likely to be fatal, prompting added “do not enter” signs, red‑reflector pavement markings, and driver‑detector systems [3].

Feb 16, 2026 – Ohio Department of Transportation releases video confirming the chain‑reaction crash on I‑71 and highlights the newly installed safety measures aimed at preventing future wrong‑way incidents; the Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit continues to solicit tips at 614‑645‑4767 [3].

Feb 17, 2026 – Police locate the wrong‑way driver about six hours after the I‑71 crash, find him south of the scene and west of the highway, and transport him to Grant Medical Center for hypothermia treatment; authorities have not announced whether criminal charges will be filed [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – 911 callers describe the minivan’s rim “smoking like it had no tire left on it” and warn that the vehicle “might explode,” while the multi‑vehicle pileup blocks all lanes of I‑71 and prompts a prolonged traffic shutdown; the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office confirms the investigation remains open with no charges announced yet [1].

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