Tractor Trailer Drives Into Oncoming Traffic, Vehicles Collide Into Cab

Two vehicles collided into a tractor trailer that crossed the median on Interstate 44 and drove into oncoming traffic.

Two people had serious injuries in the crash and were taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. at the 242 mile marker in Franklin County.

A 2022 Freightliner Cascadia, driven by Jesus D. Ontiveros Silva, 43, Horizon City, Texas, was traveling westbound.

The highway patrol said he was driving too fast for the wet roadway. He lost control and ran off the left side of the road, driving through the cable barrier. The truck entered oncoming traffic on eastbound I-44, where it was met by a 2018 Ford F150 and 2015 Ford Escape.

Both vehicles crashed into the right side of the cab.

Steven R. Donnell, 62, Wildwood, and Holly J. Donnell, 62, Wildwood, were traveling in the F-150. They had serious injuries.

Both were wearing seat belts.

Anna C. Moench, 39, St. Louis, was driving the Escape. She was uninjured.

Ontiveros Silva also was uninjured.

All three vehicles had total damage.