One Person Dead in Crash on Columbus’ Northeast Side

Columbus, Ohio – One person died Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash on State Route 161 near the Interstate 270 interchange on the city’s northeast side. The incident caused significant traffic delays during the morning commute.

Details of the Crash

According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 6:34 a.m. On March 26, 2026. A Ford Maverick was traveling eastbound on State Route 161 when it left the south side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. The Columbus Dispatch reported the initial dispatch call came in at 6:30 a.m.

Medics transported the driver of the pickup truck to Mount Carmel East Hospital in critical condition. Hospital staff pronounced the driver dead at 6:49 a.m. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.

Road Closures and Traffic Impact

All eastbound lanes of State Route 161 were closed for approximately three hours, along with the ramps from Interstate 270 to Route 161 east. The roadway reopened just after 9:30 a.m., according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. NBC4i reported that portions of I-270 North at Easton Way were also closed.

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s live traffic map showed significant congestion on Route 161 and the I-270/Route 161 interchange during the morning commute. ABC6 confirmed the crash involved one vehicle.

Ongoing Investigation

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the crash. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit at 614-525-6113.