I-71 Southbound Shutdown Columbus After Crash Injures Three

A serious crash on Interstate 71 southbound near East 17th Avenue in Columbus early Thursday morning resulted in three people being injured, with one in critical condition and two in serious condition. The incident occurred when a vehicle stalled on the freeway and individuals outside the vehicle were struck by another vehicle. The crash caused a shutdown of I-71 southbound from East 17th Avenue to Interstate 270, leading police to redirect traffic and advise commuters to use alternate routes such as State Route 315 or Cleveland Avenue. Emergency responders transported the injured to Grant Medical Center. Authorities have not yet provided a timeline for reopening the highway, and the investigation is ongoing.