Troopers investigating wrong-way driver that caused fatal wreck on Highway 63
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
UPDATE:
Law enforcement continues to gather details on the Highway 63 crash.
Missouri State Highway Patrol says the driver going in the wrong direction was 19-year-old Keith Sumner.
Officials say the crash on Highway 63 and East Lake Rd. killed 3 adults, one child and injured three other children.
According to the crash report, Sumner was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes colliding head-on with 29-year-old Jessica McKinlay and her five other passengers.
Officials also say that 34-year-old Christopher McClain and 19-year-old Keith Sumner died in the crash.
Corporal Kyle Green, with the Missouri Highway Patrol, says they are still trying to figure out why Sumner was driving on the wrong side of the road.
They say they are exploring all options but it will take a while to get some answers.
"As for alcohol or drug intoxication, that's something that will be uh conducted through toxicology reports at the medical examiner office. Those results may take a couple of months to get," Corporal Green said.
According to reports, both drivers were wearing seat belts but the passengers were not.
Green says criminal charges won't be filed but a lawsuit is still possible
"If there is a wrongful death lawsuit that is filed regarding this crash, then that case would be litigated in civil court. But as for criminal charges in this situation they would be highly unlikely due to the fact that both drivers are deceased," Corporal Green said.
ORIGINAL:
Four people are dead after a crash has shut down northbound Highway 63 near Lake Road in Boone County.
Gale Blomenkamp, assistant chief for Boone County Fire Protection, says along with the four deaths that three children were sent to University Hospital with serious injuries.
Blomenkamp reports one driver was going the wrong way causing the wreck.
An ABC 17 News crew is attempting to get to the scene but traffic is at a standstill at Dripping Springs and Highway 63.
Missouri State Highway Patrol is reporting the northbound lanes will be blocked for an extended amount of time.
Boone County Joint Communications is reporting the crash occurred before 7:35 p.m.
Drivers should avoid the area if possible.
