MONTGOMERY COUNTY — Two fatal crashes on westbound Interstate 70 claimed three lives Monday afternoon, as emergency responders worked to clear the scenes, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The first crash occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. near the 181-mile marker, involving two semitrucks. A 65-year-old man from Wellsville died at the scene, while the 63-year-old driver from Magnolia, Texas, sustained minor injuries. Both vehicles were totaled, and the driver who died was not wearing a seat belt, authorities reported.
Shortly after, a second crash occurred at the 182.2-mile marker involving a motorcycle and a box truck that had stopped due to the initial crash. Both the 36-year-old motorcycle driver and his passenger, also 36, both from Kennewick, Washington, died at the scene, according to Highway Patrol reports. Both were wearing helmets at the time. The box truck driver, a 60-year-old man from Fulton, was uninjured.
Westbound I-70 was closed in the area for several hours, with an estimated reopening time of 6 p.m. Heavy traffic backups and delays were reported, as drivers were advised to use alternative routes.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting ongoing investigations into both incidents.