I 44 WB closed following fatal double-crash

A portion of Interstate 44 in Missouri is closed after a fatal crash on Tuesday morning. 

The crash happened at around 11 a.m. on westbound I-44 near route 109 in Eureka. 

According to KSDK News, there was an initial crash involving a pick-up truck and a tractor trailer, but no injuries were sustained in that wreck. 

The second crash occurred when a second semi truck approached the first wreck and was unable to slow in time. The truck driver reportedly hit the brakes but skidded and struck an SUV in the center lane, causing the rig to jackknife. 

The out-of-control semi truck then struck two women who had exited their vehicle to check on the drivers in the first wreck, killing one and seriously injuring another. 

The unnamed truck driver also sustained serious injuries in the incident and was transported to a nearby hospital. 

MoDOT reports that westbound Interstate 44 will remain closed for several hours while officials investigate. 

Westbound I-44 is currently closed near Lewis Road in St. Louis county due to a serious crash — the westbound interstate is expected to remain closed for several hours. Traffic is being diverted off the interstate at Antire Road. pic.twitter.com/yKqoFjSbYt

— MoDOT St. Louis Area (@MoDOT_StLouis) October 27, 2020