Columbus, OH (March 25, 2026) – Charges have been filed on March 25 following a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 71 near East Broad Street last month that killed one person and involved multiple vehicles. The crash occurred just after 2 a.m. on Thursday, February 13, when a black Chrysler Town and Country traveled southbound in the northbound lanes and struck a blue Ford F-150 and a tractor-trailer. A Ram 1500, slowing to avoid the initial crash, was rear-ended by a second tractor-trailer, a 2012 International Prostar Eagle, ejecting the driver and trapping him beneath the semi.
Sean Price, 53, the Ram driver, was hospitalized in serious condition and later pronounced dead. The Ram caught fire, and I-71 was closed for seven hours. In total, five vehicles were involved. Joe Howard, 58, the Chrysler driver, faces charges including operating a vehicle while impaired, reckless operation, hit-and-run, driving without a license, and traveling the wrong direction on a divided highway. The second truck driver, Askar Ismail, 52, was charged with vehicular manslaughter after failing to maintain a clear distance ahead.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
How Wrong-Way Crashes Happen and Their Impact
Wrong-way crashes occur when a driver enters a divided highway against traffic, often due to impairment, fatigue, or confusion at ramps. These incidents are extremely dangerous because vehicles typically travel at high speeds, giving little time for evasive action. Chain reactions can happen if other drivers cannot avoid the initial collision, increasing the risk of severe injuries or death.
Fires and trapped drivers are common in multi-vehicle crashes, sometimes causing lengthy highway closures. Studying these incidents helps identify patterns and inform safer highway designs to reduce future wrong-way collisions.
