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Kansas City, MO (January 2, 2026) – A violent crash following a police pursuit on New Year’s Eve left one person dead and several others seriously injured near the intersection of 9th Street and Benton Boulevard.
The incident unfolded shortly on December 31 after 8:00 p.m. when Independence police began chasing a Ford F-250 pickup truck. Investigators reported that the pursuit started near Winner Road and Smith Street and continued for nearly two miles into Kansas City.
According to police, the pickup traveled west on 9th Street and ran a red traffic signal at Benton Boulevard. The truck struck another pickup moving southbound, then slammed into a Nissan Cube stopped at the intersection. The force of the collision pushed the Ford into a nearby yard, where it clipped a recreational vehicle and crashed into a trailer.
Three people riding inside the Nissan Cube suffered critical injuries. Emergency crews rushed them to area hospitals for treatment. The driver of the Cube later died from injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities confirmed that none of the injured victims took part in the police pursuit.
The driver of the Ford pickup sustained minor injuries. Police later determined that the truck involved in the chase had been reported stolen. The suspect fled the scene on foot and remains at large.
During the response, a police officer fired a bean bag round that struck a bystander’s family member. Officers also deployed a drone to search for the suspect but did not locate him.
Investigators continue reviewing the pursuit and the crash circumstances. The investigation remains active.
Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and those critically injured.
Police pursuit crashes often create devastating outcomes for innocent drivers and passengers. In busy Missouri neighborhoods, high-speed chases increase the risk of fatal collisions at intersections where other motorists have little time to react.
Many victims harmed during pursuit-related crashes suffer severe injuries that permanently alter their lives. These incidents frequently involve multiple vehicles, high speeds, and violent impacts. For families affected by these events, recovery often includes physical healing, emotional trauma, and financial strain.
Victims injured in pursuit-related crashes may face challenges such as long hospital stays, surgeries, and extended rehabilitation. Lost income and ongoing medical needs can place overwhelming pressure on households already coping with sudden tragedy.
In cases like this, grieving families often turn to a wrongful death lawyer to understand their rights. Legal claims may involve complex issues, including liability, pursuit policies, and the actions that led to the crash. An attorney can help review evidence, analyze police procedures, and determine whether compensation may be available.
Compensation in serious crash cases may help cover:
Understanding legal options can provide clarity during an otherwise overwhelming time. Accountability may also help families secure financial stability after an unexpected loss or life-altering injury.
If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a Missouri crash involving a police pursuit, we believe you deserve clear answers and strong advocacy. At Wallentine Injury Law, we represent victims and families affected by catastrophic accidents.
Our team works to protect victims’ rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call Wallentine Injury Law at (913) 934-6333 today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.
Notes: Our writers utilized secondary sources when writing this news article about an accident. We have not independently reviewed all of the circumstances surrounding this accident; therefore, please get in touch with Wallentine Injury Law right away if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will update the post with the most accurate information currently available. A post will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: We hope that by raising awareness about driving hazards, drivers will be more cautious when operating a motor vehicle and avoid being seriously injured in a collision. This accident news post is not a business solicitation. The content of this post is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. This post’s featured image was not captured at the accident scene depicted in the post.
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