1 Dead After Wrong-Way Crash on I-71 in Columbus

Authorities say the incident occurred early Monday morning near downtown

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 71 in Columbus, Ohio left one person dead in the early hours of Monday morning. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on I-71 North near the East Broad Street exit, according to a Columbus public safety dispatcher.

Why it matters

Wrong-way crashes on highways are extremely dangerous and often result in fatalities. This incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and driver education to prevent such tragic accidents.

The details

Details about the cause of the wrong-way driving and the identity of the deceased individual were not immediately available. The crash occurred on a section of I-71 that runs through downtown Columbus.

  • The crash happened around 2 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Columbus Public Safety Dispatcher

A public safety official who provided initial details about the incident to local media.

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What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the wrong-way driving and will likely release more details about the victim once their identity is confirmed.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the importance of safe driving practices and highlights the need for continued efforts to improve highway safety and prevent wrong-way collisions.