Police in Columbus are piecing together a fatal single-car accident that took the life of a local driver early Saturday. Maxine Ohakim, 36, died after her SUV crashed into a light pole along Interstate 270 on the city’s east side.
The crash happened around 3:03 a.m. on the northbound entrance ramp coming from East Main Street. Ohakim was driving a white Honda CR-V and was alone in the vehicle. Investigators say the SUV ran off the road right as it entered the ramp.
When officers and emergency crews arrived, they found the Honda crushed against a light pole. No other cars were involved, and no other people were injured during the incident.
Paramedics transported Ohakim to nearby Mount Carmel East in critical condition. Despite emergency care at the hospital, she passed away from her injuries a short time later.
The ramp where the wreck happened is a common connector that thousands of drivers use every day. Because the crash took place in the middle of the night, traffic was quiet, leaving officers with very few eyewitnesses.
Detectives from the Columbus Police Department’s Accident Investigation Unit spent hours at the crash site collecting evidence. They are reviewing the events leading up to the impact, including the vehicle’s speed and condition.
Investigators are asking the public for help to build a clearer timeline of what happened before 3:03 a.m. Anyone who saw the white Honda CR-V can contact the Accident Investigation Unit at 614-645-4767. Anonymous calls can be made to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
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