Three Killed in Nine-Vehicle Crash on I-71 in Delaware County

DELAWARE – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Delaware Post is investigating a nine-vehicle crash that resulted in three fatalities. The crash occurred on Interstate 71 in Delaware County Saturday evening.

At approximately 6:27 p.m., troopers responded to the northbound lanes of I-71, near U.S. 36, following reports of a multi-vehicle crash. The preliminary investigation found that a 2006 Freightliner semi tractor and trailer combination, driven by Modou F. Ngom, 50, Columbus, was traveling northbound and failed to stop while approaching a traffic backup in a construction zone. The semi struck several stopped vehicles from behind, ultimately leading to a nine-vehicle crash.

As a result of the crash, a male, age 37, female, age 36, and a one-year-old child, all of Ashley, Ohio, traveling in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado were killed. Three other individuals suffered serious non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Ngom was taken into custody and is being held at the Delaware County Jail on charges of vehicular homicide.

I-71 was shut down in both directions for several hours to allow for rescue operations and a crash reconstruction investigation.

The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Sunbury Police Department, Genoa Township Police Department, Delaware County EMS, Delaware County Coroner’s Office, Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office, B.S.T&G Fire Department, Al’s towing, Heavy Duty Towing Services, Shamrock Towing, Eitel’s Towing and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The crash remains under investigation.