Serious Crash on I-70 Shuts Down Westbound Traffic Near Downtown Columbus
COLUMBUS, OH – A major traffic incident occurred late Monday morning on Interstate 70 westbound near downtown Columbus, resulting in the complete shutdown of the westbound lanes and critical injuries to at least one individual. The crash happened near West Mound Street, just east of the I-70/I-71 interchange, causing significant delays and detours for commuters.
What We Know So Far
According to a dispatcher with the Columbus Division of Police, the accident took place around 11:30 a.m. on May 20 on I-70 westbound, in an area that frequently experiences heavy traffic during daytime hours. While details remain limited, authorities have confirmed that one person was transported in critical condition to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, a leading trauma facility in the region.
As of this report, police have not released information regarding the identity of the injured individual or what may have led to the crash. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and officials have yet to confirm whether other vehicles or individuals were involved.
Traffic Closures and Delays
The crash triggered an immediate closure of westbound I-70 at the site of the accident. In addition, the ramp from I-71 northbound to I-70 west was also closed to traffic. These closures resulted in substantial traffic congestion in the downtown Columbus area, particularly along detour routes and alternate roadways.
At 12:45 p.m., over an hour after the initial call, westbound lanes remained completely shut down, with no official estimate on when the highway or connecting ramps would reopen.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) traffic map showed extensive backups stretching several miles, with traffic crawling or at a complete standstill in many areas. Drivers were urged to avoid the interchange altogether and seek alternate routes, such as I-670 or U.S. Route 33, until further notice.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Emergency personnel, including Columbus police and paramedics, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Crews worked to secure the area, assess the injured party, and begin the preliminary investigation. Additional units were seen redirecting traffic and coordinating with ODOT to manage road safety and traffic flow.
As the situation unfolded, ODOT posted traffic alerts and updates through its online platform and digital highway signage. Motorists were advised to monitor local news sources and official state traffic websites for the latest information.
While the full circumstances behind the crash remain unclear, major interchanges like the I-70/I-71 split are known for being high-risk zones due to merging traffic, high speeds, and dense commuter flow—factors that could potentially contribute to serious collisions.
Ongoing Delays and Commuter Impact
The impact of the crash extended far beyond the initial site. Local commuters faced long delays, missed appointments, and schedule disruptions, especially those heading westbound through the downtown corridor. Traffic cameras in the area captured long lines of vehicles stretching back several exits, while navigation apps issued detour suggestions to help ease congestion.
Public safety officials are urging patience as the investigation continues and cleanup efforts proceed. They also recommend avoiding westbound I-70 near downtown Columbus until the roadway is fully reopened and deemed safe for travel.
Stay Updated
As of this writing, the Columbus Division of Police has not released a public statement regarding potential charges, citations, or the involvement of other parties. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
For drivers in the Columbus area, it’s a reminder to stay alert, drive defensively, and monitor live traffic updates when traveling through major urban interchanges.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide verified updates as more information is confirmed by local law enforcement and transportation authorities.
