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The driver of a tow truck was listed in critical condition Monday at University Hospital after he ran a red light, swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed into the front of a barbershop. Witnesses said 62-year-old Patrick McCoy of Hallsville appeared to be having medical problems while driving, said Gary Warren Jr., Columbia Fire Department battalion chief.
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A tow truck owned by Mickey's Towing and Storage ran a red light and crashed into A Cut Above the Rest barbershop and salon on North Providence Road on Monday morning. (NICOLE DEVERICH/Missourian)
Around 10:20 a.m., McCoy was driving a tow truck north on Providence Road when he ran a red light at the intersection of Providence and Worley Street, Warren said. McCoy crossed into the oncoming lane, striking one vehicle and then two more vehicles two blocks up. The truck came to a stop after going through the front wall of A Cut Above the Rest barbershop and salon, located at 705 N. Providence Road, Warren said. The truck is owned by Mickey’s Towing & Storage.
Columbia resident Lisa Bundy was standing across the street from the barbershop when she saw the truck run into the building.
“It was pretty scary,” Bundy said. “I brought over my travel first aid kit to help out before they started bringing stuff from the ambulance.”
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Emergency crews aid injured passengers after a tow truck ran into oncoming traffic, striking three vehicles Monday morning. Five people were injured in the accident. (NICOLE DEVERICH/Missourian)
The first vehicle that was struck suffered minor damage, but the driver, Kenneth Lewis, was not injured. Firefighters had to use hydraulic equipment to remove the driver of one vehicle.
The drivers of the other vehicles that were struck, Kathy Geller and Rebecca Radecki, received minor injuries. Two children in the accident also had minor injuries. Everyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt, police said.
Police were still investigating the cause of the accident. Alvin Harris, the owner of the barbershop, came to his business after he was notified about the accident. He said the business was closed when it occurred.
Harris’ son, who would not give his name, said the concrete from the building’s front wall fell on top of the chair where his mother, Debra, usually cuts hair.
“I just thank God nobody was in there,” Alvin Harris said.
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