Passenger dead, driver seriously hurt in semi rollover on I-44 in Missouri

LAWRENCE COUNTY, Mo. — One person is dead and another is seriously injured in a one-vehicle semi crash in southwest Missouri.

MSHP stated that the crash occurred just before 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

A crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) stated that a 2020 Kenworth driven by a 42-year-old male with a 35-year-old female passenger, both from Ephrata, Wash. veered off the left side of Interstate 44 going westbound three miles east of Stotts City, Mo.

The semi, which was hauling a train engine, according to a news report from KY3 citing Lawrence County Sheriff Brad Delay, overturned and caught fire, killing the female passenger.

MSHP also stated that the driver was in serious condition and was transported to a hospital in Springfield.

The female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is unknown as to why the driver veered off the interstate. The investigation is ongoing.

Bruce Guthrie

Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.