Police are looking for the driver of a commercial truck who reportedly took off running after he was involved in an accident Thursday night, Aug. 31, that left his passenger dead. As of Friday morning, Sept. 1, the identity of the driver was unknown, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported.
Amanda M. Pfingsten, 37, of Imperial died in the crash, which occurred about 8:10 p.m. at Papin Road and Hwy. V north of Valles Mines, the report said.
Pfingsten was the passenger in the westbound 1988 International 1954 when the truck traveled off the right side of the road, struck a stop sign, hit a ditch, overturned and ejected her, according to the report.
Pfingsten was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:38 p.m. and transported by Superior Mortuary Services to the St. Louis County Morgue, the report said.
Highway Patrol spokesman Cpl. Dallas Thompson said the driver fled on foot from the wreck and authorities are not sure why.
Thompson said a witness reported seeing a man run from the truck after the crash.
Pfingsten was not wearing a seat belt, the patrol reported.
The truck was totaled, the report said.