Columbia Police investigate serious physical injury crash on May 16

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Date and Time:  05/16/2019 at 2:44 p.m.

Location:  Mile Marker 124.0 of I-70 westbound

Vehicle and Driver Information:

Vehicle 1 - 2011 Ford Taurus

Driver 1 - William McDowell, 86, Vandalia, Missouri, Seat belt - Yes, Life-threatening injuries

Vehicle 2 - 2019 Ford F-350

Driver 2 - Richard Bean, 62, Salado, Texas, Seat belt - Yes, Minor injuries

Vehicle 3 - 2017 Freightliner Cascadia

Driver 3 - Christopher Bolen, 38, Killeen, Texas, Seat belt - Yes, Minor injuries

Incident Details: The crash occurred when Vehicle 1 was driving westbound on I-70 near the 124.0 mile marker. Vehicle 1 was in the merging lane from the Stadium/I-70 on-ramp, Vehicle 2 was in the passing lane and Vehicle 3 was in the driving lane. Witnesses reported Vehicle 1 attempted to use the cross-median emergency U-turn by crossing both the driving and passing lanes. Vehicle 2 collided with Vehicle 1, causing Vehicle 1 to spin and collide with Vehicle 3. It was not believed that alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS to remain anonymous.

Case number: 2019-004939