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1 critcally injured after truck catches fire on I-71 in north Columbus

The bridge was impacted by the vehicle fire, but crews determined it was safe after inspecting it.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — One person was critically injured after a vehicle caught fire on Interstate 71 in north Columbus Wednesday morning.

RELATED: Columbus area traffic updates: Crash reports, road closures, backup times

Around 4:40 a.m., the Columbus Division of Police said a gray Dodge Ram pickup truck was driving southbound on I-71 approaching the I-270 interchange.

Police said the truck went off the road and struck a concrete support pillar of the I-270 overpass. The vehicle sustained serious damage and caught fire.

Officers responded after receiving a call about the vehicle fire and extracted the driver from the truck. The driver was taken to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in critical condition. Police said they are expected to survive.

All lanes of I-70 South at I-270 and both I-270 ramps were shut down for most of the morning commute as crews worked to extinguish the fire and clear the scene.

Officials with the Ohio Department of Transportation inspected the bridge at the I-71/I-270 split because it was impacted by the fire. Crews determined that the bridge was safe for commuters to drive on.

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