A tragic accident on Interstate 70 in west Columbia, Missouri, left two people dead and several others injured on Monday afternoon. The crash involved seven vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, and resulted in the closure of both eastbound lanes and the westbound passing lane for several hours.
According to Columbia Police Department spokesman Brian McNeil, the tractor-trailer was traveling in the westbound passing lane near the Stadium Boulevard exit when it collided with a vehicle in the driving lane. The impact caused the tractor-trailer to cross over the median and collide head-on with a U-Haul truck in the eastbound lanes. The U-Haul caught fire after the collision, resulting in the deaths of two women who were passengers in the vehicle.
In addition to the fatalities, an unknown number of individuals were injured in the crash and taken to a hospital for treatment. The severity of their injuries was not immediately disclosed.
Eyewitness Travean Caldwell, who was driving a semi-truck on Interstate 70 at the time of the crash, described the harrowing scene. He recounted how the tractor-trailer lost control, veered off the road, and struck multiple vehicles before the U-Haul burst into flames. Caldwell commended the swift response of the Columbia Fire Department in containing the fire and preventing further damage.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol took to social media to alert drivers of the road closure and traffic diversion following the accident. Eastbound traffic was rerouted onto Stadium Boulevard, causing congestion in central and western Columbia. The interstate remained closed for several hours before reopening to traffic later in the evening.
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving on busy highways and the importance of following safety protocols. Caldwell reflected on his own experiences as a truck driver and emphasized the need for thorough vehicle inspections and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, the community mourns the loss of life and hopes for a swift recovery for those injured in the collision. The aftermath of the accident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance on the road.