BALLWIN, St. Louis County, Mo., Sept. 23, 2026 — A 38-year-old St. Louis man died and a 71-year-old woman was seriously hurt Tuesday afternoon, September 22, in a four-vehicle crash on Big Bend Road at Ries Road. Two other drivers were also hurt, one with minor injuries, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the crash began when a 2007 Toyota Tacoma traveling east on Big Bend Road crossed the center line into oncoming lanes. The Tacoma reportedly struck a 2017 Toyota Camry head on, pushing it sideways into a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The Camry was then shoved into a 2003 BMW Z4 that was stopped or traveling behind it.
The Tacoma's driver, the 38-year-old man from St. Louis, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead just before 1:30 p.m., authorities said. The Camry's driver, a 71-year-old woman from Crystal City, Missouri, suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized. The Nissan's driver, a 78-year-old St. Louis man, was treated for minor injuries. The BMW's driver, a 76-year-old man from Ellisville, was not hurt and left the scene on his own.
The Tacoma, the Camry and the Nissan were towed from the scene.
The collision remains under investigation. We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Head-On Crashes and the Toll Beyond the Driver's Seat
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure includes pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and occupants of other vehicle types struck by a passenger car or truck, a reminder that a single crossover crash can spread harm across several vehicles at once, just as a four-vehicle pileup can leave multiple people hurt from one initial collision.
Head-on and cross-median crashes tend to produce more severe outcomes because the combined speed of both vehicles determines the force of impact, unlike a rear-end or side-swipe where one vehicle is often stopped or moving in the same direction. When a vehicle crosses into oncoming traffic, following vehicles frequently have little time to react, which is how a single lane departure can escalate into a chain-reaction crash involving several cars.
Investigators looking at this category of crash typically examine speed, road markings, weather and driver condition to determine why a vehicle left its lane. Contributing factors can include distraction, fatigue, medical emergencies or mechanical failure, though a cause is not always confirmed quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes most often occur? Two-lane roads with a center line but no physical barrier see a large share of fatal head-on crashes, since only paint separates opposing traffic.
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal? Higher speeds, lack of seat belt use, impaired or distracted driving, and the size or weight mismatch between vehicles all raise the odds of a fatal outcome.
How does speed affect crash survivability? Crash force increases sharply with speed, so even modest increases in impact speed can turn a survivable crash into a fatal one.
Why does seat belt use matter so much? Seat belts keep occupants from being thrown into the steering wheel, dashboard or out of the vehicle, and they remain one of the most effective ways to reduce injury severity in a crash.
What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Ballwin, MO
If you're involved in or witness a multi-vehicle crash, move to safety if possible and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional, since injuries like whiplash or internal bruising can take hours to show symptoms.
Exchange information with other drivers if you're able, and take photos of vehicle positions and damage before cars are moved or towed. Request a copy of the official crash report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits tied to the crash.
Give yourself time to process what happened. A serious crash can be disorienting even when injuries are minor, and reaching out to family, friends or a counselor in the days after is a normal and healthy step.
