A truck driver has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the crash on I-70 in Columbia on Monday, August 5, 2024.

Walter J. Montejo, 26, of the state of California, was charged with two counts of first-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree assault and driving without a license.

Montejo was driving a semi-truck that collided with a U-Haul vehicle near the Business Loop 70 exit on I-70.

Cindy Helms, 54, of Tennessee, and Melvina Colin, 84, of Colorado, were in the U-Haul and died from their injuries in the accident.

According to Columbia police, the semi-truck was in the westbound passing lane on I-70 near the Stadium Boulevard exit when it collided with a vehicle in the travel lane, crossed the center line and struck a U-Haul truck head-on in the eastbound lane.

According to court documents, witnesses told Columbia police that Montejo was traveling at a high rate of speed in the fast lane at the time of the accident.

Police said his driver’s license was suspended under Missouri administrative law.

Montejo suffered moderate injuries in the accident and was hospitalized in good condition as of Wednesday, August 7, 2024.