Jefferson County, MO (September 28, 2025) – Three people were killed and five others were injured Sunday afternoon in an eight-vehicle pileup on northbound I-55 near the 173.8-mile marker, after a semi-truck hit slowing traffic, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Accident Details: Troopers reported that around 3:30 p.m., a semi-truck failed to notice congestion and struck the back of a car, triggering a chain of rear-end collisions involving multiple vehicles, including a Nissan, Kia, Dodge Ram, GMC, and Toyota. The driver of the Kia, a 53-year-old woman from Pevely, died at the scene. A 63-year-old woman driving the Toyota and a 63-year-old male passenger, both from Memphis, were also pronounced dead. Several others suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious and were transported for treatment. The interstate was shut down temporarily and later reopened after clearing the scene.
Investigation: On Monday, authorities said the semi-truck driver, identified as 45-year-old Richard Holden of Greensburg, Louisiana, was taken into custody and charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter. Investigators are continuing to analyze physical evidence, impact points, and potential contributing factors such as speed, attention, and traffic flow to finalize causation and fault. Additional statements from involved drivers and witnesses, along with any available dash-cam or nearby surveillance footage, may further illuminate the sequence of impacts.
Legal Considerations: Multi-vehicle freeway crashes involving a commercial truck raise complex liability questions. Injured motorists and families of those who died may pursue claims covering medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and other damages. Depending on findings, liability may extend to the driver and potentially to the motor carrier for negligent entrustment, supervision, or maintenance. Preserving evidence—scene photos, vehicle data modules, medical records, and witness accounts—can be critical to both insurance claims and any civil litigation that follows.
My deepest condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones and to everyone injured in this Jefferson County truck accident.
Source: First Alert 4 (KMOV)