Crash shuts down I-70 westbound lanes in Columbia

UPDATE (3/26): Columbia Police said preliminary investigation reveals the crash was caused by a combination of slick roadways, traffic congestion and a tire blow-out from one of the semi trucks.

The tire blow-out caused the semi to rotate 180 degrees coming to a rest on top of the guardrail, partially blocking the roadway with the trailer.

Police said one of the cars tried to avoid hitting the trailer and was hit from behind by the second semi-truck. This then forced the car under the trailer of the first semi that was suspended on top of the guardrail.

The car was wedged in between both semi trucks, which took firefighters nearly two hours to extricate the people inside.

Police said those two people were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Both semi truck drivers and two people in the other car weren’t hurt.

UPDATE (5:00 p.m.): Both lanes of westbound I-70 have reopened. The crash has been cleared.

UPDATE (2:45 p.m.): Columbia Police confirm two people were extricated from a car. Their injuries are unknown at this time and if more people were injured in the crash.

It appears the crash involved at least two semi trucks and two cars. Police said one of the cars ended up under a semi.

I-70 westbound remains closed while crews continue to clear the scene. According to MoDOT, traffic is being diverted at the Lake of the Woods exit.

ORIGINAL: A crash on Interstate 70 just past the Highway 63 connector has shut down the westbound lanes in Columbia.

MoDOT traffic cameras show traffic congestion from the crash to the Lake of the Woods exit.

ABC 17 News has crews on the way to the scene to find out more.