Columbia accident sends three people to hospital

A three-car crash sent several people to the hospital Wednesday evening in Columbia.

Officers were called to the accident at 6:35 p.m. at the intersection of Eagle Drive and Illinois 3 in front of Columbia Middle School, according to Columbia Police Chief Jerry Paul.

The chief said Robert Bircher, a 71-year-old Highland man, was driving south on Illinois 3 in a 2012 Buick Verano when he attempted to turn left into the Columbia Middle School parking lot.

Amya Ayers, a 16-year-old from Dupo, was driving north in a Kia Soul when she collided with Bircher in the intersection as he attempted to turn.

A third car, a 2015 Jeep Renegade driven by 52-year-old Michelle Deatherage from Freeburg, was behind Ayers and also crashed.

Both Ayers and Deatherage told police they had a green light, Paul said.

Bircher’s 70-year-old wife, Janet Bircher, and Deatherage were taken to St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis County.

Ayers was taken to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.

While officers initially believed some injuries were serious, all three are expected to live and suffered less critical injuries.

Officers cited Robert Bircher, who they say was at fault in the accident.

This story was originally published January 11, 2018 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Columbia accident sends three people to hospital."