MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MO — Two fatal crashes on westbound Interstate 70 caused significant traffic disruptions on Monday afternoon, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).
The first incident occurred at 2:41 p.m. near mile marker 181 involving two semitrucks. A 65-year-old man from Wellsville died at the scene; he was not wearing a seat belt. The collision happened when his truck struck a semitruck that was stopped due to an earlier incident. The 63-year-old driver from Magnolia, Texas, sustained minor injuries and was wearing a seat belt.
Both semitrucks were totaled, and authorities reported that the incident blocked traffic and required emergency response efforts.
Shortly after, at approximately 3 p.m., a second crash occurred at mile marker 182.2 involving a motorcycle and a box truck. Two individuals from Kennewick, Washington—both 36 years old—died at the scene. They were wearing helmets at the time of the crash. The motorcycle collided with the box truck, which had stopped in traffic due to the first incident. The driver of the box truck, a 60-year-old man from Fulton, did not sustain injuries.
As a result of these incidents, westbound I-70 was closed around 1:45 p.m. past exit 183. Traffic was diverted, and the closure is expected to last until approximately 6 p.m., causing significant delays.
The MSHP is continuing to investigate both crashes.