COLUMBUS — A construction worker died early Saturday morning after a driver struck him inside an active work zone on Interstate 70 westbound near State Route 315 and fled the scene, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
The crash happened at approximately 2:01 a.m. Police said a maroon Toyota sedan, believed to be an early 2000s model, was traveling westbound on I-70 when it entered the work zone near the SR-315 interchange, just west of Downtown Columbus. The driver veered to the right, hit an adult male construction worker and a portable generator, and drove away without stopping.
Paramedics pronounced the worker dead at the scene at 2:12 a.m. Police have not released his name. His employer and the nature of the work being performed at the time have also not been confirmed.
Driver Still at Large
The driver has not been identified and no charges have been filed. Police said the suspect vehicle continued westbound on I-70 after the collision. No license plate information, specific Toyota model year, or details about damage to the vehicle have been released.
The Accident Investigation Unit, which handles fatal and serious-injury crashes across Columbus, is leading the probe.
Ramp Closed Through at Least Monday
The westbound ramp from I-70 to SR-315 remains closed following the crash. A city public safety dispatcher said the closure is expected to stay in place through at least Monday. Drivers heading westbound from Downtown Columbus toward Franklinton and Hilliard should expect continued disruption. The City of Columbus had not issued a formal detour as of Saturday morning.
Police Ask for Tips
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about the maroon Toyota or its driver should call the Accident Investigation Unit at (614) 645-4767. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477.
The investigation remains active.
This article is based on information released by the Columbus Division of Police. Victim identity, suspect information, and investigation details may change as the case develops. ColumbusFrontline.com will update this article as new official information is released.