Lafayette Co., MO – Two Killed in Head-On Collision on I-70

Lafayette Co., MO (February 9, 2025) – Two truck drivers lost their lives in a head-on collision that occurred on Interstate 70 eastbound at the 53-mile marker. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the scene at approximately 1:59 p.m. on February 8.

According to reports, a 2020 Volvo VNL850, driven by a 65-year-old man from Belton, South Carolina, was traveling westbound when it veered off the left side of the roadway, striking the median cables. The vehicle then entered the eastbound lanes and collided head-on with a 2023 Volvo VNL driven by a 58-year-old man from West Minister, Colorado. The impact caused the eastbound truck to overturn. A third truck, a 2012 Volvo VNL, sustained minor damage but was able to be driven from the scene.

Emergency crews arrived and pronounced both the 65-year-old and 58-year-old drivers dead at 2:09 p.m. Their bodies were released to Stewart-Hofer Funeral Home. Authorities confirmed that both men were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash. The driver of the third vehicle was uninjured.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, alongside multiple officers and investigators, worked to clear the wreckage and conduct an investigation. At this time, the cause of the initial lane departure remains under review.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.

Truck Accidents in Missouri

Commercial truck accidents are a serious concern across Missouri. Due to their size and weight, collisions involving semi-trucks often result in severe injuries or fatalities. According to Missouri crash data, thousands of truck accidents occur each year, many leading to devastating consequences for those involved.

Trucking accidents are often linked to various factors, some of which include:

• Driver Fatigue – Long hours on the road can lead to exhaustion, reducing reaction times and increasing the risk of accidents. Federal regulations mandate rest periods, but fatigue remains a leading cause of crashes.
• Improper Lane Changes – Large trucks have significant blind spots, making lane changes particularly dangerous. If drivers fail to check their surroundings properly, collisions can occur.
• Mechanical Failures – Brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine issues can cause loss of control, leading to serious crashes.
• Weather Conditions – Rain, snow, and ice create hazardous driving conditions, particularly for large trucks that require longer stopping distances.
• Roadway Design – Certain areas of highways and interstates may have high accident rates due to curves, merging lanes, or inadequate signage.

If you have lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a truck accident, you need an experienced Lafayette County truck accident attorney on your side. The aftermath of a commercial truck crash can be overwhelming, with medical expenses, lost wages, and insurance claims piling up. A skilled lawyer can help investigate the cause of the crash, determine liability, and fight for fair compensation.

Wallentine Injury Law understands the challenges families face after a fatal accident. Our dedicated team is committed to helping victims and their families seek justice. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Call our office today at 913-934-6333 to 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, LLC 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.