Four people dead in overnight crashes in Ohio

OHIO — Four people were killed in three separate crashes overnight Sunday, leading to road closures across the city as authorities investigated the incidents.

The first crash occurred on State Route 161 eastbound at Interstate 270, where a motorcyclist was struck by four separate vehicles.

That motorcyclist was pronounced dead, along with another motorcyclist involved in the crash.

Columbus fire and police crews worked through the night to clear the scene, reopening the roadway around 7 a.m.

Just 20 minutes later, a second fatal crash took place on I-71 southbound, just south of SR-161 in northeast Columbus. A vehicle crashed into a wall, leaving one person dead.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the deceased was the driver or a passenger.

As of 7 a.m., I-71 southbound lanes remained closed, including ramps from SR-161 in both directions.

A third crash occurred around 3:30 a.m. on I-71 northbound near East North Broadway Street, where a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle.

The northbound lanes of I-71 remained closed from US Route 62 near downtown Columbus past East Cooke Road, with additional ramp closures at I-670 west and East Weber Road.