Columbus, IN (January 21, 2026) – A devastating head-on collision in Bartholomew County claimed two lives and left one individual critically injured on January 20 near the unincorporated community of Northcliff, according to the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:41 PM in the 5000 block of E County Rd 600 N. Emergency dispatch received multiple calls reporting a severe crash involving two vehicles, with both drivers and passengers reportedly trapped inside their vehicles.
Deputies and first responders arrived at the scene to find one of the drivers deceased. The passenger of the second vehicle was also pronounced dead following the collision. The driver of that same vehicle was critically injured and transported by medical helicopter to a hospital in Indianapolis for advanced treatment.
The names of the individuals involved have not yet been released as authorities work to notify families and complete their investigation. The crash site was shut down for several hours on Tuesday afternoon while investigators from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department conducted a full scene analysis.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials have not indicated whether weather, speed, or other contributing factors played a role.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and our hopes for a full recovery to the surviving driver, who remains in critical condition.
