Multiple drivers charged in fiery, wrong-way I-71 crash that killed one

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Charges have been filed against two drivers in a fiery wrong-way crash last month on Interstate 71 near downtown Columbus that killed one person and caused the highway to shut down for several hours. The crash happened just after 2 a.m. on Feb. 13 when a black Chrysler Town and Country was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-71 near the East Broad Street interchange. The Chrysler struck a blue Ford F-150 and a tractor trailer while they were heading northbound. A Ram 1500 slowed down and stopped to avoid the initial crash, but it was rear-ended by another tractor-trailer, a 2012 International Prostar Eagle semi-truck, heading north on the interstate. The driver of the Ram was ejected from the vehicle and was found underneath the semi-truck involved in the initial crash. Sean Price, 53, was hospitalized in serious condition but was later pronounced dead. Price's Ram, one of five total vehicles involved in the incident, caught fire and I-71 was closed for seven hours. The driver of the Chrysler, Joe Howard, 58, was found hours later and has been charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, wreckless operation, hit-skip, operating without a license, and driving on a divided highway in the wrong direction. Watch previous coverage in the player above. Howard, who was treated for hypothermia after the crash, is also facing traffic charges stemming from a 2013 incident in which he was issued a bench warrant for a hit-skip in the Olde Towne East neighborhood. The driver of the second tractor-trailer, Askar Ismail, 52, was charged with vehicular manslaughter after a crash report notes that the truck failed to maintain an assured clear distance ahead. The charges were made official on Wednesday and warrants have been issued for their arrests. Any person with additional information regarding the crash is asked to contact the Accident Investigation Unit at 614-645-4767. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.