COLUMBUS, Franklin County, Ohio, Sept. 20, 2026 — A woman died early Sunday morning, September 20, after a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 670 westbound in Columbus.
The crash happened just before 1:30 a.m. near the State Route 315 exit ramp, according to police. A 22-year-old woman, identified by authorities as Jordan Decker, was driving westbound when her vehicle was involved in a collision with two other vehicles. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Several other people involved in the crash were taken to area hospitals for treatment. Their conditions have not been released.
Investigators said witnesses reported a possible fourth vehicle, described as a smaller SUV, may have been involved. That vehicle reportedly left the scene before officers arrived.
Columbus police's accident investigation unit is handling the case. Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 614-645-4767, or to submit an anonymous tip to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 674-461-8477.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
How Investigators Piece Together a Multi-Vehicle Highway Crash
Multi-vehicle wrecks on interstates take time to sort out because there are several vehicles, several accounts, and usually conflicting witness statements to work through. Officers at the scene document vehicle positions, skid marks, and damage patterns before anything is moved, since that physical layout frequently tells investigators more than any single driver's account.
When a vehicle leaves the scene before police arrive, as witnesses reported may have happened here, investigators rely on traffic cameras, toll records, and tips from the public to try to identify it. That search can run parallel to the broader crash reconstruction and sometimes takes longer than the reconstruction itself.
A name is typically not released until the coroner's office confirms identification and next of kin have been notified, which can take hours or longer depending on when family is reached. Toxicology results and a final crash report can take several weeks, since lab testing and a full reconstruction of vehicle speeds and impact points are not rushed processes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,979 passenger-car occupants were killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger car and a light truck in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I come across a crash on the highway?
Move as far from traffic lanes as possible, turn on hazard lights, and stay in your vehicle unless it's unsafe to do so. Call 911 even if you assume others already have, and never stop in a travel lane to look or help unless you can pull fully onto the shoulder.
Why are secondary crashes a concern after an initial wreck?
Vehicles slowing or stopping near a crash scene, especially at night or in low visibility, create a hazard for approaching traffic. A portion of highway crash injuries happen not in the original wreck but in a second collision caused by drivers who don't see stopped traffic in time.
How much does following distance matter on interstates?
Following at a safe distance gives drivers time to react if traffic ahead brakes suddenly, which is usually the trigger for multi-vehicle pileups. Highway speeds mean stopping distances are longer than many drivers expect, especially at night.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Columbus, OH
If you're involved in or witness a highway crash in Columbus, get to a safe location first and call 911. Even if you feel fine, seek a medical evaluation, since injuries from a collision can take hours to show symptoms. Exchange information with other drivers if it's safe to do so, and take photos of the scene if you're able.
If you saw what happened, especially any vehicle that left before police arrived, contact the investigating agency. Witness accounts and dashcam or nearby traffic footage can matter a great deal in cases where a vehicle fled the scene. Keep any documentation, including medical records and repair estimates, in case you need them later.
