[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Early Morning Crash Closes Westbound I-70

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief John Metz
Duty PIO Pager 573-441-6608 (For Active Emergency Incidents - Leave detailed message 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.)
Office 573-874-7644 (M-F, 8-5)


Early Morning Crash Closes Westbound I-70

COLUMBIA, MO (October 2, 2014) - At 4:13 a.m. this morning the Columbia Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle crash on westbound I-70 between Stadium Blvd. and the Sorrels Overpass. Columbia Fire units arrived at 4:21 a.m. to find four tractor-trailer units, two off the roadway and two on the roadway, and a significant amount of debris blocking westbound I-70 at the 123.6 mile marker.

Firefighters checked each tractor-trailer unit for injuries and discovered one driver was pinned in the wreckage. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to free the trapped driver. The adult male driver was then transported to a local hospital with apparent non-life threatening injuries. There were no other injuries. “We were fortunate, with this level of damage, that we didn’t have more serious injuries” said Fire Battalion Chief John Metz.

Firefighters determined there was no hazardous cargo or significant fuel leaks. Due to the large amount of debris, MoDOT brought in heavy equipment to clear the roadway. Much of the debris was moved to the north side of the highway and will be removed later.  I-70 westbound was closed for approximately three hours.

Five Columbia Fire units, one Boone County Fire unit, and two medic units responded to the incident. The Columbia Police Department is handling the crash investigation.

The Columbia Fire Department reminds all residents that seat belts save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. 



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