Columbus, OH (April 12, 2026) – A deadly multi-vehicle crash unfolded Saturday evening, April 11, along Interstate 71 in a construction zone, leaving three people dead and several others hurt.
The collision happened around 6:27 p.m. in the northbound lanes near the US-36 interchange in Delaware County. Investigators say a semi-truck failed to stop for backed-up traffic and slammed into multiple vehicles, setting off a chain-reaction crash involving nine vehicles.
Authorities identified the truck driver as 50-year-old Modou F. Ngom of Columbus, who was taken into custody after the incident. He is currently being held on vehicular homicide charges following the crash.
Among those killed were a 37-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman, and a 1-year-old child. All three were traveling in a Chevrolet Silverado and were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names have not yet been released.
Three others suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Traffic in both directions of I-71 was shut down for several hours as emergency units cleared the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
How Chain-Reaction Crashes Often Occur in Construction Zones
Chain-reaction crashes can happen quickly in areas where traffic slows or stops unexpectedly, such as construction zones. Drivers approaching these areas may not always anticipate sudden backups, especially during evening hours or heavy traffic periods.
Large trucks require more distance to come to a full stop compared to smaller vehicles. When traffic is already halted, even a brief delay in braking can lead to a serious impact that pushes vehicles into one another.
Road conditions, visibility, and driver attention all contribute to how these crashes unfold. Construction zones may also have narrowed lanes or shifting traffic patterns, which can increase the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.
