Columbia Police Department is investigating a two-vehicle injury accident that occurred Saturday around 9:26 p.m. on Veteran’s Memorial Highway.
Kemet Rufus, 33, of Columbia, was operating a 2013 passenger car eastbound when he attempted to pass a 2021 pickup truck operated by Stuart L. Philpott, 61, of Taylorsville. Rufus’ vehicle clipped the truck, causing it to flip.
Both vehicles traveled several yards before coming to a rest against rock walls on opposites sides of the road.
Rufus was flown out for advanced medical care and Philpott was treated and released at T.J. Health Columbia.
Alcohol is suspected to be a factor.
The accident is being investigated by Officer Tyler McKinney with assistance from other Columbia Police officers. He was assisted on scene by Adair County EMS, Adair County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia-Adair County Fire Department, and State Highway Department.
