Columbus, OH — February 7, 2025, Ariana Williams was killed and three other people were injured in a multi-vehicle accident at about 12:05 a.m. on Interstate 71.

Authorities said a Kia Forte crashed into a Ford Fusion while driving the wrong way on the interstate near 17th Avenue. The impact forced the Kia to crash head-on with a Jeep Grand Cherokee before it was hit by a Volvo semi-truck.

Kia driver Ariana Williams died in the crash, according to authorities.

Three people who had been in the Jeep were hospitalized with unspecified injuries, while the truck driver and Ford driver were treated at the scene, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash involves a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the interstate, one of the most important questions is how that vehicle ended up in the opposing lanes. Many people assume wrong-way crashes are just the result of driver mistakes, but in my experience, these incidents often involve additional factors that need careful examination.

One of the first things investigators should determine is where and how the Kia Forte entered the wrong side of Interstate 71. Did the driver mistakenly enter from an off-ramp, or did the vehicle cross the median from the correct lanes? If the wrong-way entry happened at an interchange, investigators should examine whether the “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs were properly placed and clearly visible. In past cases, missing or obstructed signage has contributed to similar crashes.

Another key factor is whether road design or lighting played a role. This crash happened just after midnight, a time when reduced visibility can make it harder for drivers to recognize road signs and lane markings. Investigators should look at whether the highway was well-lit and whether any construction, detours or confusing intersections might have made it easier for a driver to take a wrong turn.

Speed and reaction time also matter in multi-vehicle crashes like this. A wrong-way vehicle on an interstate often gives other drivers little time to react. Reviewing ECM (black box) data from the semi-truck could help determine whether the trucker had time to brake before impact, while any available dashcam or traffic camera footage could clarify how quickly events unfolded.

At this stage, authorities have not provided details on why the Kia was traveling the wrong way. A full investigation should examine highway entry points, signage, visibility conditions and vehicle movements to determine what led to the collision.