COLUMBUS, Franklin County, Ohio, Oct. 21, 2026 — A pedestrian was in critical condition on Tuesday morning, October 20, after being struck by a vehicle at East Broad Street and North Ohio Avenue in east Columbus. The driver fled the scene, and the case is being handled as a hit-and-run.
Columbus Division of Police officers responded to the intersection just after 6 a.m. on a report of a pedestrian struck. The pedestrian was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
The dispatcher confirmed the vehicle involved did not remain at the scene, and the crash is currently classified as a hit-and-run. South Ohio Avenue was blocked at East Broad Street while officers worked the scene.
No information on a suspect or a vehicle description had been released as of Tuesday. Investigators have not said what led up to the crash, and the pedestrian's name and age have not been made public.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
Crash Reports and Road Safety in Columbus, OH
This pedestrian crash happened at East Broad Street and North Ohio Avenue in Columbus, OH. Anyone involved in a crash in Columbus usually needs a copy of the police report, and our Columbus, OH crash reports and road safety guide explains how to request one and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most pedestrian accidents happen?
Many pedestrian crashes occur at or near intersections, where turning vehicles and crossing pedestrians share the same space. Busy arterial roads with multiple lanes, like East Broad Street, see a steady share of these crashes.
Are pedestrian accidents more common at night or in low light?
Reduced visibility plays a role in many pedestrian crashes, including ones that happen in early morning darkness or dawn hours before sunrise, when drivers may have less time to see and react to someone crossing.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms appear later. Get checked by a medical provider, get the names and badge numbers of responding officers, and request a copy of the police report once it's available.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Ohio law generally gives pedestrians the right of way in marked and unmarked crosswalks once they've stepped into the roadway, but drivers and pedestrians both share responsibility for watching for one another, especially where signals control the intersection.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Columbus, OH
If you witness a pedestrian crash or are involved in one, start by calling 911 so police and paramedics can respond. Avoid moving an injured person unless they're in immediate danger. If you're the pedestrian and able to do so safely, take photos of the scene, note any vehicle description or direction of travel, and look for anyone nearby who may have seen what happened. Follow up with a hospital or doctor even if you feel okay at first, since injuries from being struck by a vehicle aren't always obvious right away. Keep any paperwork from the hospital and the police report, as these records help document what happened in the days that follow.
