Columbus, OH – 1 Injured in Semi-Truck Collision on I-70 at I-270

Columbus, OH (August 20, 2025) – A serious collision involving two semitrucks caused a major traffic disruption on Interstate 70 Tuesday morning and sent one person to the hospital.

The crash was reported at approximately 7:10 a.m. near the I-70 and I-270 interchange on the west side of Columbus. According to the Columbus Division of Fire, two commercial trucks collided in the eastbound lanes. One of the trucks was hauling traditional car batteries, which spilled across the roadway, and diesel fuel also leaked from the vehicles, creating hazardous conditions.

Emergency responders worked quickly to treat the injured. One individual was transported to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for injuries sustained in the crash. Officials have not released further details on the extent of those injuries.

The hazardous materials prompted an extended shutdown. All lanes of I-70 East were closed from State Route 29 in West Jefferson to I-270 for more than five hours. Cleanup crews from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Transportation were called in to contain and remove spilled diesel fuel and battery acid from the roadway.

Our thoughts are with those affected by this accident.

Hazards of Semi-Truck Accidents

Accidents involving semitrucks often create far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate collision. Due to their immense size and weight, commercial trucks can cause significant roadway damage and prolonged shutdowns, especially when hazardous cargo is involved. In this case, the leaking of both diesel fuel and battery acid required specialized cleanup crews, adding hours to the response and recovery effort.

Semi-truck crashes also pose dangers to other drivers caught nearby. Secondary accidents frequently occur as traffic slows abruptly or detours are established, putting additional motorists and first responders at risk. These accidents highlight the need for patience and caution in high-traffic areas, especially along major freight corridors like I-70, which is one of Ohio’s busiest trucking routes.

From a broader perspective, incidents like this underscore the importance of strict safety regulations for commercial carriers, including vehicle maintenance checks, driver fatigue monitoring, and hazardous material handling procedures. For drivers sharing the road with semis, keeping a safe distance, avoiding blind spots, and reducing speed during heavy traffic are some of the best ways to stay safe.

Ultimately, while professional drivers receive extensive training, unpredictable conditions on the highway mean accidents can still occur. The aftermath of this I-70 crash demonstrates how quickly a single incident can ripple outward from individual injuries to environmental hazards and citywide traffic delays.

Reach out through our online form to book your free case evaluation with a leading Columbus I-70 accident attorney.