Injury crash shuts down westbound Highway 50

UPDATE 2:16 p.m.: Officers of the Jefferson City Police Department responded to a motor vehicle crash in the 5500 block of US 50 East.

A vehicle driven by Kyle Edwards, 21, from Jefferson City, was traveling in the eastbound lanes and attempted to change lanes. His vehicle went out of control and struck an unknown semi truck. He then crossed the center median and into the westbound lanes.

He was struck head on by a westbound vehicle driven by Travis Henke, 18, of Jefferson City.

Both drivers were transported by ambulance from the scene. Edwards was taken to the hospital with critical injuries, and Henke went to the hospital with serious injuries.

UPDATE 9:30 a.m.: Highway 50 westbound is back open for drivers after a two-vehicle crashed blocked both lanes of traffic during the Friday morning commute.

Police on scene told ABC 17 News the passenger vehicle was traveling eastbound when the driver attempted to pass a semi-truck. When trying to pass, police said the driver lost control and traveled over the median into westbound traffic. Police said the passenger car collided with the SUV and flipped.

Both drivers were taken to University Hospital with injuries. Police didn’t have specifics, but said the passenger car driver had extensive injuries but was alert and speaking with first responders. The SUV driver also had injuries though not as severe.

MoDOT helped clear the roadway of debris and the highway was back open by 9 a.m.

ORIGINAL STORY: Jefferson City police are warning drivers about a crash shutting down Highway 50 Friday morning.

Police tweeted about the crash near Shamrock Road around 7:30 a.m.

They said westbound traffic on Highway 50 is shut down. They’re advising drivers to look for an alternate route.

The tweet indicated there are injuries involved in the crash. Authorities on scene told our crews two people were taken to the hospital, but they did not provide details on the extent of their injuries.

Officers also told us a vehicle was driving eastbound when the driver tried to pass a tractor trailer, lost control and crossed the median.

ABC 17 News also checked MoDOT’s traveler information map which indicates that the road closure could last up to two hours.

ABC 17 News has a crew on the way to the scene. We’ll update this story as we find out more about the cause, the status of the road and injuries.