St. Louis, MO (December 20, 2024) – A tragic three-vehicle collision occurred Thursday evening on Interstate 270 Northbound, just south of Missouri 364. The crash resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
The incident happened at approximately 6:30 PM when a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by a 39-year-old male from Florissant, MO, experienced mechanical issues and came to a stop in Lane 4. A 2022 Ford Escape, driven by a 42-year-old female from O’Fallon, MO, stopped behind the Equinox. A 2017 GMC Terrain, driven by a 24-year-old male from Manchester, MO, approached the scene but failed to notice the stopped traffic and collided with the vehicles ahead.
The GMC Terrain struck the rear of the Ford Escape, forcing the Escape into the back of the Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicles came to rest across multiple lanes, with the Terrain and Escape obstructing Lanes 2 and 3 and the Equinox remaining in Lane 4.
The driver of the Ford Escape tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Creve Coeur Fire Department at 6:35 PM. Her 4-year-old male passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported to Children’s Hospital St. Louis by Creve Coeur EMS. The driver of the GMC Terrain also sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital St. Louis. The driver of the Chevrolet Equinox did not report any injuries.
All three vehicles sustained extensive damage and were towed from the scene by McNamara’s Towing. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, along with the Maryland Heights Police Department, conducted an investigation into the crash. The cause remains under review. Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased, and we wish a full recovery to those injured.
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Collisions in Missouri
Fatal multi-vehicle crashes are devastating events that highlight the importance of maintaining awareness and adhering to safe driving practices, particularly on high-traffic highways like Interstate 270. Rear-end collisions are often caused by driver inattention and failure to maintain a safe following distance, as seen in this tragic incident.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), rear-end collisions are among the most frequent types of accidents, with inattentive driving being a primary factor. Preventing such crashes requires drivers to remain vigilant, especially in heavy traffic or near vehicles stopped on the roadway.
Families affected by fatal collisions may face profound emotional and financial burdens, from funeral costs to ongoing medical expenses for injured survivors. Understanding the available legal avenues is essential for pursuing compensation and ensuring accountability for negligent actions.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports. If you or someone you know has been injured or affected by a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.