St. Louis, MO (February 25, 2025) – A nighttime crash on westbound Interstate 44, just east of Bowles Avenue, left two people injured on Monday. The collision occurred at approximately 10:23 p.m. and resulted in both vehicles sustaining total damage.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident happened when a 2016 Volkswagen Passat, driven by a 39-year-old woman from St. Louis, veered off the roadway and collided with a 2021 Mercedes Sprinter van that was stopped on the shoulder. The impact pushed the van off the roadway, where it struck a nearby road sign.
Emergency responders from the Fenton Fire Protection District arrived at the scene to assist the injured victims. A six-year-old girl, who was a passenger in the Volkswagen, sustained minor injuries and was transported to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for evaluation. The driver of the Sprinter van, a 59-year-old man from Dallas, TX, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital St. Louis for treatment. The driver of the Volkswagen was not reported injured.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, including potential contributing factors such as driver distraction or road conditions.
Our thoughts are with those injured, and we hope for a full recovery.
Highway Shoulder Accidents in Missouri
Accidents involving vehicles stopped on the shoulder of highways can be particularly dangerous, as high-speed traffic poses a serious risk to both stranded motorists and passing vehicles. In Missouri, these crashes often occur due to driver inattention, loss of control, or failure to recognize stopped vehicles in time.
Collisions with parked or disabled vehicles can lead to significant damage and injuries, especially when they occur at night. In this case, the Volkswagen left the roadway, striking the Sprinter van before both vehicles came to a rest off the highway. While the exact cause remains under investigation, similar crashes have been linked to drowsy driving, distracted driving, or adverse road conditions.
Drivers should always remain cautious when approaching stopped vehicles, ensuring they move over or reduce speed when possible. Missouri law requires motorists to exercise care when passing vehicles stopped on the side of the road, especially near emergency or disabled vehicles.
For those injured in highway accidents, seeking medical care and understanding legal rights are essential steps in the recovery process. If you or a loved one has been affected by a highway shoulder collision in Missouri, resources are available to help you navigate your options and secure necessary support.