A tractor-trailer was unable to stop in time for congested traffic as it came over a hill on I-55 south of Herculaneum on Monday morning (Aug. 26) and struck two vehicles, pushing them off the interstate and leaving two people hurt, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported.
James C. Wagner, 55, of Mexico, Mo., was driving a 2016 Freightliner north on I-55 at the 177.4 mile marker at 11 a.m., when he encountered stopped traffic, and the big rig struck a northbound 2003 Honda Civic and then a northbound 2016 Jeep Compass. Both the Civic and Compass were pushed off the right side of the interstate, and then the tractor-trailer came to rest on the left shoulder, the report said.
No injuries were reported for Wagner.
However, Timothy N. Moehle, 54, of Festus, who was driving the Civic, and Sarah K. Beck, 19, of Desloge, who was driving the Compass, were moderately injured and transported by Joachim-Plattin Ambulance to Mercy Hospital South in south St. Louis County, the report said.
Moehle was listed in satisfactory condition today (Aug. 27), and Beck was treated and released, a hospital spokesman said.
All three drivers were wearing seat belts, according to the report.
The Civic and Compass were totaled, and the big rig was moderately damaged, the report said.