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Driver Stops on Ohio Highway, Causes Crash, and Flees Scene

A red minivan halted in the middle of I-71 near Columbus after missing an exit, triggering a multi-vehicle pile-up and prompting an ongoing investigation.

FILE: An Ohio State highway patrol car
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Overview

  • The April 30 crash occurred during rush hour on Interstate 71 South in Columbus when a red minivan stopped abruptly in the center lane after missing an exit.
  • Traffic camera footage released by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) shows the driver halting with their turn signal on, leading to a three-vehicle chain-reaction crash.
  • The driver fled the scene via I-670 and remains unidentified, with authorities from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Columbus Division of Police investigating potential charges.
  • No life-threatening injuries were reported, though those involved sustained minor injuries and significant vehicle damage.
  • ODOT shared the video on social media as a public safety warning, emphasizing that stopping on a highway is extremely dangerous and urging drivers to proceed to the next exit if one is missed.