Sheriff Dallas Baldwin states that the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic crash involving 4 vehicles which occurred yesterday at approximately 7:08 PM on U.S.40 (W. Broad Street) at Georgesville Road located in Franklin Township. A 2014 Chevrolet Captiva driven by Jhuante Burton, age 34 of Columbus, Ohio was traveling west on U.S.40 east of Georgesville Road. He struck from behind a 2002 Dodge Caravan driven by Steven Waits, age 64 of Grove City, Ohio that was stopped at a red light. This pushed the Dodge caravan into a 2002 Ford Mustang and then into a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. The passenger of the Captiva, Bianca Williams, age 30 of Columbus Ohio was transported to Grant Hospital in stable condition. The driver of the Ford Mustang Michael Butts, age 47 of Columbus Ohio was also transported in stable condition to Grant Hospital. Steven Waits was pronounced deceased on the scene of the crash.
It is unknown at this time whether alcohol or drugs were a factor; All drivers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. This incident remains under investigation.