Five people were injured in a head-on collision near the Leon Sullivan Way exit of Interstate 77 early Monday morning.
The wreck happened after a Ford Mustang headed the wrong way on the Interstate, according to police.
"We believe they entered the interstate from the 35 street exit ramp from the Kanawha City area onto I-77 south, which is approximately a mile to two miles from where she got on to where the crash happened. So, it's a pretty significant distance to go the wrong way," said Lt. Shawn Williams, of the Charleston Police Department.
Police believe Stephanie Bias, , 31 of Charleston, was under the influence of alcohol when she slammed her car into a Dodge Charger.
Caryn Adderly, 42, of Virginia Beach, Va., Roncervert Randolph, 71, and two teenagers were in the car Bias hit. They were all taken to Charleston Area Medical Center with injuries that ranged from serious to minor.
While exit ramps can be confusing, police said this is one accident that could have been avoided.
"There's a lot of exits and entrances that people can go the wrong way. A lot of times people get confused but in this particular case we believe alcohol may have played a factor. We are looking into that as we speak," Williams said.
Bias is now facing criminal charges in the crash.
"It's tragic. It's something we preach here at the Charleston Police Department every day. I know it's preached statewide from the Governor's Highway Safety Office that you can't drink and drive. It's not worth it because this is what happens," Williams said.
Bias is still in the hospital and her condition is unknown.
Randolph is listed in critical condition. Adderly is listed in satisfactory condition. The two teenagers are expected to be okay.
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