One dead in early morning crash involving tractor-trailer on I-71 ramp in Columbus
A fatal crash occurred early November 3 on an I-71 ramp in Columbus, resulting in one death, according to police.
The incident happened at 4:28 a.m. on the ramp from I-71 South to Gemini Place on the Far North Side. An adult driving a BMW SUV veered off the right side of the road, traveling approximately 240 feet on the gravel shoulder before colliding with a parked tractor-trailer.
Upon impact, the SUV caught fire and was fully engulfed in flames. The driver was found in the vehicle and pronounced dead at 4:44 a.m. The identity of the deceased has not been released.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the SUV leaving the roadway. The crash temporarily closed the ramp but it reopened before the Monday morning rush hour.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to 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.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing.