Columbus, OH — June 18, 2025, one person was killed in a truck accident just after midnight at the intersection of Hardy Parkway and Frank Road.

Authorities said a Western Star concrete truck collided with a Dodge Caravan that had turned left off of Frank Road.

The Dodge driver, whose name has not been made public yet, died after being transported to a nearby hospital, according to authorities.

The truck driver was not injured in the crash, authorities said.

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

Commentary

When people read about a fatal crash like this one involving a concrete truck and a minivan, a few natural questions come to mind: Was the truck speeding? Did someone run a red light? Did either driver see the other coming? Right now, none of those questions have clear answers, and that’s exactly why a thorough investigation matters.

According to reports, the crash happened just after midnight, a time when visibility can be limited and driver fatigue may play a role. Authorities say the minivan turned left off Frank Road and collided with the concrete truck. But beyond that, there’s a lot we don’t know.

For instance, it’s not clear whether the minivan turned in front of the truck or whether the truck may have entered the intersection against a signal. That single detail could flip the narrative entirely. Without video footage, black box data or witness statements, any assumptions about fault are premature.

In cases like this, the truck's electronic control module (ECM) can be a crucial source of evidence. It can tell us the truck’s speed, whether the driver braked before impact and how long the vehicle had been in operation. If the truck was equipped with in-cab cameras, as many are today, that footage might show whether the driver was alert and following the rules of the road. Cell phone records could also clarify whether distractions were involved.

Another question worth asking: What do we know about the truck driver’s background? Was the driver properly trained and vetted? In one case I litigated, a trucking company hired a driver with multiple job terminations and gave her a minimal road test. She caused a crash that never should’ve happened, but it wasn’t just her fault. The company that hired her without doing its homework shared in the blame.

That’s why every serious truck crash needs more than just a police report. It needs a full investigation, focused not just on what happened, but why.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s unclear whether the minivan turned into the truck’s path or whether the truck failed to yield.
• Black box data and camera footage from the truck may be critical in determining fault.
• Cell phone records and driver history could reveal potential distractions or hiring failures.
• Midnight crashes raise questions about visibility, fatigue and traffic signal patterns.
• Only a thorough investigation can show who’s truly accountable and why.