3 Dead, 3 Injured in 9-Vehicle Crash on I-71 in Delaware County

Three people, including a one-year-old child, were killed and three others were injured in a nine-vehicle crash on Interstate 71 in Delaware County on April 11, 2026.

The collision occurred just before 6:30 p.m. Near the interchange of U.S. 36 and State Route 37, located by the Tanger Outlets Columbus shopping mall. The incident resulted in the closure of the interstate and involved a fiery collision that produced heavy smoke and flames, according to traffic camera footage from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Casualties and Victims

The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed that the three deceased victims were all residents of Ashley and were traveling together in a Chevrolet Silverado. The victims included a 1-year-old child, a 36-year-old woman, and a 37-year-old man.

In addition to the fatalities, three other individuals were transported to nearby hospitals. Officials described their injuries as serious, but not life-threatening.

Investigation and Charges

A preliminary investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol found that a semitruck was traveling northbound on I-71 and failed to stop while approaching a backup in a construction zone. The semitruck subsequently struck several stopped vehicles from behind.

The driver of the semitruck, identified as 50-year-old Modou Ngom of Columbus, was arrested in connection with the crash. Ngom was booked into the Delaware County Jail on charges of vehicular homicide.

While dispatchers initially reported that 12 vehicles were involved in the collision, the Ohio State Highway Patrol clarified on April 12 that nine vehicles were involved.