Updated April 12, 2026, 3:39 p.m. ET
Three people were killed and three injured in a nine-vehicle crash that shut I-71 near U.S. 36/state Route 37 in Delaware County on April 11.
The crash occurred at 6:27 p.m. in the northbound lanes near the U.S. 36/state Route 37 interchange, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Both directions of I-71 were closed for several hours, authorities said.
The Patrol said a northbound 2006 Freightliner semi failed to stop for a traffic backup in a construction zone. The driver, Modou F. Ngom, 50, of Columbus, was identified by authorities.
A 37-year-old male, 36-year-old female and 1-year-old child in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado were killed. All were from Ashley, Ohio. Names have not been released, according to the Patrol.
Three other people were transported to hospitals with serious, non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
A witness told NBC4-WCMH-TV the semi struck vehicles before flames were visible.
Ngom was taken into custody and is being held at the Delaware County Jail on vehicular homicide charges, according to the Patrol.
The crash site is within the Sunbury Parkway interchange construction area. The Ohio Department of Transportation said an investigation will determine whether construction played a role.