Centralia driver's condition upgraded from serious to fair

COLUMBIA — A Centralia man involved in a two-car collision northeast of Columbia was listed in fair condition Friday morning at University Hospital.

James Hoover, 20, was traveling northbound on Route Z at a high rate of speed at about 9:20 a.m. Thursday when his vehicle hit a car turning left, said Missouri State Highway Patrol Operator Brian Douglas. The collision occurred one-half mile south of Route FF.

Initial traffic reports indicated Hoover had serious injuries, but his condition is now fair, said Barbie Morgan, a spokeswoman for University Hospital.

The other driver was not injured, Douglas said.

Hoover’s car was totaled, and the other vehicle had moderate damage, Douglas said.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and alcohol was not involved, Douglas said.

Hoover was not insured, according to traffic reports.