COLUMBUS, Ohio — A devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 71 in Delaware County involving semitruck driver Modou Ngom of Columbus and three victims identified as a 1-year-old child, a 36-year-old woman, and a 37-year-old man, all from Ashley, left three people dead and three others injured Saturday evening near the U.S. 36 and State Route 37 interchange by the Tanger Outlets Columbus shopping area. The crash is being investigated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, while traffic operations and roadway support were assisted by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Authorities said the crash occurred just before 6:30 p.m. on Interstate 71 in Delaware County, a heavily traveled corridor north of Columbus that runs near major retail and commuter routes. The collision scene was located close to the interchange with U.S. 36 and State Route 37, an area that experiences frequent congestion, especially during weekend travel and construction activity.
Chain-reaction crash in construction zone
According to preliminary findings released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a semitruck driven by 50-year-old Modou Ngom was traveling northbound on Interstate 71 when it failed to stop in time while approaching slowed or stopped traffic in a construction zone. Investigators say the truck struck several vehicles from behind, triggering a violent chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.
Dispatch reports initially indicated as many as 12 vehicles were involved, but officials later clarified that nine vehicles were confirmed in the collision.
The impact caused several vehicles to catch fire, with dramatic traffic camera footage showing thick smoke and flames rising from the wreckage as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Victims and injuries
Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as a 1-year-old child, a 36-year-old woman, and a 37-year-old man, all from Ashley, Ohio. Authorities confirmed that all three were traveling together in a Chevrolet Silverado at the time of the crash.
Three additional people were transported to nearby hospitals with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Officials have not yet released further identifying details about the injured individuals.
Driver arrested
Following the initial investigation, Modou Ngom was taken into custody and booked into the Delaware County Jail on charges of vehicular homicide. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the full circumstances leading up to the crash, including speed, following distance, and roadway conditions in the construction zone.
Highway shut down for hours
The crash forced the complete shutdown of both directions of Interstate 71 for several hours while emergency crews responded, extinguished fires, and cleared the wreckage. The closure caused major traffic disruptions across the region as vehicles were diverted away from the area.
Multiple agencies responded due to the severity of the crash and the number of vehicles involved.
Ongoing investigation
The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Officials are reviewing traffic camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene to determine exactly how the collision unfolded.
Investigators are also examining the role of the construction zone and heavy traffic backup that was present at the time of the crash.
Community impact
The tragedy has deeply impacted families in Ashley and the broader Columbus region, especially with the loss of a young child among the victims. Authorities say additional updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
Officials are again urging drivers to use extreme caution in construction zones, maintain safe following distances, and remain alert in heavy traffic conditions, where sudden stops can lead to catastrophic consequences.
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