Three-Vehicle Crash on I-70 Injures Fayette Family, Columbia Driver Arrested

Pickup truck driver suspected of DWI after colliding with two other vehicles near Columbia

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 near Columbia, Missouri on Friday, April 3 left seven people injured, including three members of a Fayette family. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a 27-year-old pickup truck driver struck two other vehicles before crashing into a rock embankment. The pickup driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated causing physical injury and careless and imprudent driving.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving on Missouri highways and the serious consequences it can have for innocent victims. The crash occurred in a high-traffic area near Columbia, raising concerns about public safety and the need for stricter enforcement and education around drunk driving.

The details

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 5:45 p.m. on April 3 at mile marker 122.8 on I-70 eastbound. A 27-year-old man in a pickup truck struck two other vehicles as he was attempting to overtake them. The pickup then left the road, hit a rock embankment, and returned to the highway. Among the most seriously injured were a 15-year-old from Fayette who was in one of the struck vehicles, and a 26-year-old passenger in the pickup truck. An 80-year-old Columbia woman was also seriously injured. Three other people, including two teenagers from Fayette, sustained minor injuries.

  • The crash occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • Troopers arrested the 27-year-old pickup truck driver on suspicion of DWI and careless driving. Formal charges are pending in Boone County.

The players

27-year-old pickup truck driver

The driver of the pickup truck that struck the other vehicles, arrested on suspicion of DWI and careless driving.

15-year-old from Fayette

One of the most seriously injured victims, a passenger in one of the vehicles struck by the pickup truck.

26-year-old passenger in pickup truck

Also one of the most seriously injured victims, a passenger in the pickup truck.

80-year-old Columbia woman

A passenger in the third vehicle involved, who also suffered serious injuries.

37-year-old driver of SUV

Sustained minor injuries in the crash.

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What’s next

Formal charges against the 27-year-old pickup truck driver are pending in Boone County.

The takeaway

This crash serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of driving sober and attentive on Missouri's roads. It underscores the need for continued education, enforcement, and policy changes to address the persistent problem of impaired driving and protect all motorists.