COLUMBUS, Franklin County, Ohio, Oct. 24, 2026 — A child was hospitalized after being hit by a car on Friday morning, October 23, near Stelzer Road and Towne Center Boulevard on the northeast side of Columbus. The child was initially listed in critical condition and has since been upgraded to stable.
The Columbus police said the crash happened just before 7 a.m. near the intersection, about a mile south of Easton. The child was taken to Nationwide Children's Hospital for treatment.
The driver, described as an adult woman, stayed at the scene after the crash. Officials said she is being cited for speeding and for an expired vehicle registration. The crash remains under investigation, and no further details have been released.
We hope everyone who was hurt makes a full and speedy recovery.
More on Crashes in Columbus, OH
The crash was reported at Stelzer Road and Towne Center Boulevard in Columbus. If you were involved in a crash in the city, our Columbus accident resource page explains how to get a police report and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving considered such a serious risk?
Even a few seconds of looking away from the road, at a phone, a passenger, or something outside the car, means a driver can miss a pedestrian, a stopped car, or a changing signal until it's too late to react.
How much do weather and road conditions factor into crashes like this?
Wet pavement, glare, fog, or poor lighting can all cut down how quickly a driver sees a hazard and how much distance they need to stop, which matters most in areas with pedestrians or heavy cross-traffic.
Where do most traffic accidents involving pedestrians happen?
A large share occur near intersections, parking lots, and commercial corridors, places where vehicles are turning, slowing, or merging and pedestrians are crossing on foot.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Columbus, OH
If you or a family member are involved in a crash in Columbus, start by making sure everyone is safe and getting medical attention, even for injuries that seem minor at first. Call police so an official report is filed, and get the names and contact information of the driver and any witnesses. Take photos of the scene if you're able. Follow up with a doctor in the days after, since some injuries, especially in children, can take time to show symptoms. Keep copies of medical records and any citation or police report, as they may be useful later.
