Kenneth L. Sullinger, 43, of Arnold was seriously hurt this morning (Feb. 28) while he was working in a construction zone on I-44 at South Holmes Avenue in St. Louis County and was struck by a skid steer, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.
The accident happened at 9:30 a.m., when Douglas Kirk, 34, of St. Louis, headed west in a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche, switched lanes into one that was closed for construction along the interstate and struck the skid steer, which then struck Sullinger, who was standing in the work zone, the report said.
Kirk was moderately hurt in the accident, according to the report.
A 36-year-old Ste. Genevieve man, who also was part of the construction crew, was driving the skid steer, a 2014 Caterpillar 289D. No injuries were reported for him.
However, the Ste. Genevieve man was wanted in St. Francois County on an outstanding warrant for driving under the influence, so he was arrested at the scene, said Cpl. Juston Wheetley of the highway patrol.
Sullinger was taken by ambulance to SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, and Kirk was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur.
Both Kirk and the Ste. Genevieve man were wearing seat belts, the patrol reported.
The Avalanche was totaled, and the skid steer had minor damage, the report said.