Crash in northeast Columbia sends one to hospital

Two Centralia men crashed into each other Saturday afternoon in northeast Columbia.

Sergeant John Dye with the Columbia Police Department told ABC 17 News that just after 2 p.m., a white truck heading north on Route B near Waco Road drifted into the southbound lane. The truck, driven by 49-year-old Michael Melvin, hit a black Chevy Impala head-on. The crash blocked traffic on Route B for about an hour. Medics needed to pull Melvin from his truck, Sgt. Dye said, and take him to the hospital for serious injuries.

Christopher Burks, 25, the driver of the Impala, suffered minor injuries in the crash. Sgt. Dye said Burks’ seat belt and airbags helped limit his injuries.

A news release from the police department said it was unknown whether Melvin wore a seat belt, or if drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash.