Lykins Energy Solutions driver killed in NW Columbus tanker fire is Wapakoneta man

UPDATE @ 4:10 p.m. (Jan. 24): The driver killed in Monday morning's crash and fire is Duane Brodman, a three-year employee with Milford, Ohio-based Lykins Energy Solutions, company officials said in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and co-worker,” company CEO Jeff Lykins said in the prepared statement.

Brodman, 58, is from Wapakoneta.

“He worked tirelessly for the company and we are all better people for having Duane in our lives,” Lykins said in the statement. “Everyone at Lykins extends our deepest sympathies to Duane’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”

UPDATE @ 4:25 p.m.:  All roads have reopened except for one ramp after a single-vehicle crash and large fire near Dublin in northwest Columbus on Monday morning.

WBNS-TV is reporting that the driver of the semitrailer lost control of the rig on the ramp from U.S. 33 East to I-270 North and crashed.

Dublin Police Lt. Steve Farmer said the fatality appears to be the driver of the semitrailer that was hauling up to 8,000 gallons of fuel. Several hundred meters of the roadway burned after fuel spilled and ignited as a result of the crash.

The name, age and hometown of the victim have not been released.

The ramp will be closed up to a week for repairs, according to ODOT.

FIRST REPORT

According to WBNS-TV in Columbus, Interstate 270 and U.S. 33 was closed in all directions because of a tanker fire near Dublin in northwest Columbus.

Dublin police have advised motorists to avoid area.

I-270 west is closed at SR 315. Westbound I-270 traffic is detoured to SR 315.

I-270 north is closed at I-70. Northbound traffic is detoured to I-70.

The duration of the closure is unknown. No additional details were immediately available.

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