COLUMBUS, OH — Five children are in very critical condition after a three-vehicle crash Friday morning on Columbus’ North Side, according to police. The collision happened just before 7:15 a.m. near Morse Road and Sundance Drive, and investigators said all five children were riding in the same vehicle.

The children were taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Two adults were also hurt in the crash and were taken to separate hospitals. Police said both adults were initially listed in critical condition, though one was later upgraded to stable.

Police say all five children were in one vehicle

Details released by police indicate the crash involved three vehicles, with the injured children all inside a single car. Authorities have not said how many people were in the other vehicles or which one first lost control.

Because the children were transported together to a pediatric trauma hospital, the crash quickly became a major emergency response. Police have not released the ages of the children or said whether any other passengers were inside the vehicle with them.

The condition of the adults also underscored the severity of the wreck. One remained in critical condition at the time of the latest update, while the other improved enough to be listed as stable.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital received the five injured children

Nationwide Children’s Hospital received all five children after the crash, reflecting the seriousness of their injuries. Police described each of them as being in very critical condition when they were taken there.

The adults were sent to separate hospitals, but officials did not identify where each person was treated. No names have been released for any of the injured people.

As of the latest update, police had not provided additional information about whether emergency crews performed extrication at the scene or how long the medical response lasted. The focus remained on treatment and stabilization after the early morning collision.

Morse Road stayed closed as investigators worked the scene

Morse Road was expected to remain shut down for several more hours while police continued to work the crash scene. The closure was expected to affect the morning commute on a busy stretch of the North Side near Sundance Drive.

Authorities did not say when the roadway would reopen. They also had not released any traffic pattern changes or detours tied to the closure.

That kind of extended shutdown is common after a serious crash, when investigators need room to document the scene, examine vehicle positions and collect statements. In this case, police were still trying to understand what led to the collision.

Cause of the crash had not been determined

Police said the cause of the crash was still unknown. At this stage, investigators had not said whether speed, distraction, impairment, weather or another factor played a role.

They also did not say which of the three vehicles may have initiated the crash or whether any citations had been issued. No official explanation has been given for how the wreck unfolded near the intersection.

The lack of a determined cause means the investigation remained active as the injured children and adults received treatment. Police said the information could change as they continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the Friday morning collision.

Neighbors and commuters face a shaken North Side morning

The wreck happened near a busy Columbus corridor where morning traffic can build quickly, especially around the start of the workday. The crash and resulting road closure likely disrupted commuters moving through the North Side area on Friday.

Incidents involving children often draw especially close attention because of the seriousness of the injuries and the uncertainty that follows in the first hours. In this case, police had not yet provided a clearer picture of recovery prospects beyond the critical condition updates.

The investigation was still developing, and officials said more information could be released later. For now, the main confirmed facts were the number of vehicles involved, the injuries to five children and two adults, and the ongoing shutdown of Morse Road.