Multi-car crash closes NB I-55 south of Festus
FESTUS, Mo. – Northbound Interstate 55 was closed Sunday afternoon following a multi-vehicle crash just south of Festus.
The crash happened shortly before 2:50 p.m. at mile marker 173 in Jefferson County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash involved three vehicles. One child was taken to a nearby hospital and is listed in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.
Northbound lanes on I-55 reopened around 4 p.m. Sunday after the scene was cleared.
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A similar multi-car crash happened at this same location less than a week ago, which resulted in the deaths of three people.
According to the highway patrol, that crash happened after the driver of a tractor-trailer became inattentive to slow-moving traffic on I-55, leading the vehicle to strike the back end of a Toyota Camry. Eight vehicles total were involved in last week's crash.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-55 were closed for an extended period of time as troopers worked to clear the scene, causing bumper to bumper traffic.
Residents like Adam Kutz, who take that route frequently, said that those unfamiliar with the area can possibly rear-end someone if they're not paying attention.
“The minute you go, even though the signs are there, people don't know it's that close,” Kutz said. “I understand there are signs and stuff, but I mean, accidents happen, and an 18-wheeler takes a lot longer to stop than a regular vehicle.”
