Multi-Vehicle Crash Leaves One Injured

A six-vehicle collision on Interstate 44 eastbound sent one woman to the hospital Saturday morning.

The crash occurred around 11:25 a.m. at the 245-mile marker in Franklin County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by a 60-year-old woman from Cuba, was stopped in the right lane when a chain-reaction collision unfolded behind her.

A 45-year-old woman from Crown Point, Indiana, driving a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, abruptly braked and steered into the right lane to avoid stopped traffic. A 68-year-old man from Lebanon, operating a 2012 Ford F-150, also braked and steered right to avoid a 2008 Honda Pilot ahead, driven by a 25-year-old woman from Louisville, Kentucky.

As the vehicles adjusted, a 19-year-old Rolla man driving a 2013 Chrysler 200 began slowing but struck the rear of the Honda Pilot. Simultaneously, the Ford F-150 collided with the rear of the Chevrolet Blazer, pushing it forward into the back of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and causing it to rotate clockwise. During the incident, an unknown vehicle struck the right rear corner of the Ford F-150 and left the scene.

The only reported injury was to the Indiana woman, who sustained minor injuries. She was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.