Clay County, MO (August 7, 2025) – A chain-reaction crash involving three vehicles on I-35 southbound left four people injured Tuesday afternoon, including three females and two juveniles, after a Jeep slammed into the rear of a slowing minivan.
The collision occurred around 4:50 p.m. just south of the 29.8 mile marker in Clay County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash began when a 2013 Ram 1500 slowed to a stop in traffic. A 2015 Honda Odyssey, driven by a 16-year-old juvenile from Cameron, also began slowing behind the Ram. Moments later, a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by a 41-year-old woman from Cloquet, MN, failed to stop in time and crashed into the rear of the Odyssey, forcing it forward into the Ram.
All three vehicles sustained varying degrees of damage and were towed from the scene by local recovery services. The Odyssey was declared totaled, while the Jeep suffered extensive damage, and the Ram 1500 moderate damage.
Four individuals sustained minor injuries in the crash. The juvenile driver of the Honda Odyssey was transported by Tri County EMS to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Two juvenile passengers from the Jeep—ages 9 and 14, both from Cloquet, MN—were treated at Liberty Hospital after being transported by Clay County EMS. The 53-year-old female driver of the Ram 1500 was also transported to Liberty Hospital by Lawson EMS.
All individuals involved were wearing seatbelts, and there were no life-threatening injuries reported. Troopers from Troop A were assisted on scene by multiple emergency units including CPL J.A. Green and TPR C.W. Norris. The crash remains under active investigation.
We extend our support to those injured in this crash and hope for a full and swift recovery for everyone involved.
Chain-Reaction Collisions on Missouri Interstates
Tuesday’s crash on I-35 highlights the very real dangers posed by multi-vehicle chain-reaction collisions—especially during periods of heavy or slowing traffic. This incident began with a standard stop-and-go scenario that turned serious when one vehicle failed to reduce speed in time, leading to a domino effect.
Chain-reaction crashes are especially common on interstate highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds and sudden slowdowns are not always anticipated. When a driver fails to adjust quickly—whether due to distraction, following too closely, or misjudging traffic flow—rear-end impacts can occur in seconds. In this case, a Jeep Grand Cherokee struck a slowing Honda Odyssey, which in turn collided with a stopped Ram 1500.
The crash injured both adult and juvenile occupants, demonstrating how even restrained passengers can suffer trauma in high-speed, multi-impact collisions. Children are especially vulnerable in these types of accidents, often requiring pediatric evaluation even for injuries considered minor at the scene.
Missouri drivers are reminded to maintain safe following distances, especially in high-traffic corridors like I-35 near Kansas City. Adhering to recommended speeds, staying alert, and anticipating traffic flow are vital to avoiding rear-end crashes that can lead to hospitalizations, vehicle loss, and long-term recovery challenges.
For families involved in such incidents, medical care, emotional support, and financial recovery are all critical pieces of the process. Victims often require guidance to navigate insurance complexities and legal rights—especially when multiple vehicles and injuries are involved.
Were you or a loved one injured in a multi-vehicle crash like the one on I-35? Local Accident Reports can help you take the next step. We connect families and individuals with the medical, legal, and emotional support they need to move forward confidently. Don’t face this alone—reach out to Local Accident Reports today and start your recovery with trusted guidance.
