KANSAS CITY, Jackson County, Mo., Nov. 10, 2026 — Three people died and five others were injured on Monday afternoon, November 9, after a semi-truck struck multiple vehicles on northbound U.S. 71 in Kansas City, Missouri, according to authorities.
The crash happened around 3:20 p.m. on northbound U.S. 71 at 19th Street, just south of downtown. A semi-truck reportedly failed to slow for congested traffic and hit several vehicles, touching off what officers described as a major rush-hour traffic incident. The highway reopened around 9:50 p.m. after being shut down for several hours.
Two passengers riding in a Honda minivan that was struck were pronounced dead at the scene. A third minivan passenger died after being taken to a hospital, bringing the death toll to three. The minivan's driver and two other passengers were hospitalized with critical injuries.
The driver of a Honda CR-V was also hospitalized in critical condition. The driver of a Ford SUV was taken to a hospital and is listed in stable condition. The semi-truck's driver, who has not been identified, was placed on investigative hold.
The crash remains under investigation. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and we wish those hurt a speedy recovery.
Intersection Safety in Missouri
The fatal crash was reported at U.S. 71 and 19th Street in Kansas City. Readers following crash news in Jackson County can find more about intersections across the state on our guide to Missouri intersections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are crashes involving semi-trucks usually more severe than crashes between passenger cars?
A loaded semi-truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car, so a collision transfers far more force into smaller vehicles, increasing the chance of serious injury or death.
What are a truck's blind spots, and why do they matter?
Large trucks have wide blind spots along both sides, directly behind the trailer, and close in front of the cab. Vehicles in these zones may be invisible to the driver, which can contribute to lane-change and merging crashes.
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully beneath a truck's trailer during a collision, usually because the trailer sits higher off the ground than a car's protective structure.
What commonly causes large-truck crashes?
Common factors include driver fatigue, following too closely, failing to slow for stopped or slowing traffic, equipment failure, and poor visibility or weather conditions.
