One person hurt in Southeast Columbia crash

Southbound Highway 63 closed for over an hour after incident

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A crash on Southbound Highway 63 in Columbia, Missouri on Friday morning resulted in one person being transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. The highway was closed for over an hour as emergency responders from the Columbia Police Department, Columbia Fire Department, and Missouri State Highway Patrol worked the scene.

Why it matters

Traffic accidents on major highways can cause significant delays and disruptions, especially during peak commute times. This incident highlights the importance of driver safety and the coordination required between various emergency services to respond to and clear these types of incidents efficiently.

The details

According to police, the crash occurred around 8:20 a.m. on Southbound Highway 63 near the Discovery Parkway onramp. A Boone County Joint Communication alert was issued shortly after, notifying drivers that the southbound lanes were closed due to the crash. An ABC 17 News photographer observed a red car in the ditch on the side of the highway, and at least five Columbia police vehicles were on the scene. The passenger of the vehicle was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. Columbia Fire and the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted the Columbia Police Department in responding to and clearing the incident, which was fully cleared by 9:40 a.m.

  • The crash occurred around 8:20 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • A Boone County Joint Communication alert was issued shortly after the crash.
  • The scene was fully cleared by 9:40 a.m.

The players

Columbia Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the crash.

Columbia Fire Department

The local fire department that assisted in the emergency response and clearing of the incident.

Missouri State Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that also responded to and helped clear the crash scene on Highway 63.

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What they’re saying

“Sgt. Chris Hobbs with the Columbia Police Department told ABC 17 News on scene that the passenger of the car was taken to the hospital.”

— Sgt. Chris Hobbs, Columbia Police Department (ABC 17 News)

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of driver safety and the coordination required between emergency services to respond to and clear traffic accidents on major highways efficiently. While the details are still emerging, it serves as a reminder for drivers to remain vigilant and obey traffic laws to help prevent such incidents from occurring.