Drivers identified in double fatal crash on I-70
UPDATE: 10:00 a.m.: According to Columbia police, 28 year old Vanessa Beatty and James T. Carter II were the victims in Saturday morning’s head on collision on I-70.
Police say the crash happened as Beatty, driving a 2013 Hyundai Sonata, was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 125. Carter, in a Buick Lacrosse, was driving eastbound.
Police say Beatty and Carter crashed head on. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Neither drivers were wearing seatbelts. Police are investigating if alcohol or drugs played a factor.
UPDATE: 7:00 a.m.: The scene of a double fatal crash is cleared. Both lanes of I-70 eastbound are back open as well as the entrance ramp to 70 EB from Stadium Blvd.
UPDATE: 6:10 a.m.: Columbia police have confirmed there are two fatalities involved in this crash.
A police spokeswoman told ABC 17 News they were dispatched to mile marker 125 on I-70 eastbound for a two-vehicle crash with heavy front end damage on both cars.
When police arrived, they discovered the two fatalities. Next of kin is being notified.
The entrance of I-70 at Stadium Blvd. is closed and traffic is being rerouted onto I-70 Drive Southwest. For drivers already on I-70, only the passing lane is open. Police told ABC 17 News said they are allowing only one vehicle at a time in the passing lane.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Law enforcement closed a stretch of Interstate 70 in Columbia Saturday morning after a car crash.
ABC 17 News is hearing reports it was a head-on collision and our crews saw the cars with heavy damage.
Dispatch shows at least three medics are on scene.
Stay with ABC 17 News for updates on this developing story.
