KANSAS CITY, Jackson County, Mo., Nov. 14, 2026 — Two people were hospitalized on Thursday afternoon, November 12, after a five-vehicle crash on northbound US-71 Highway at 19th Street, according to the Kansas City Fire Department.
The crash involved five vehicles and happened on the northbound lanes of 71 Highway near 19th Street. Two people were taken to a hospital. Their ages and conditions had not been released as of Thursday afternoon.
No cause has been confirmed. It is not yet known whether speed, weather, or another factor contributed to the crash.
The same stretch of 71 Highway was the site of a separate, more severe crash three days earlier, in which a truck driver was accused of killing three people and injuring seven others. That earlier crash led to three felony involuntary manslaughter charges against 39-year-old Eldar Skander. Thursday's crash remains under investigation, and it is not yet known whether the two incidents are related in any way.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More Crash News from Jackson County
This multi-vehicle crash happened on US-71 in Kansas City, MO. For other recent crashes near Kansas City, MO, visit our Jackson County accident news page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid getting caught in a highway pile-up?
Keeping a safe gap from the vehicle ahead, slowing down in heavy traffic, and staying alert for sudden braking ahead can give drivers more time to react before a chain-reaction crash develops.
What should I do if I come up on a crash on the highway?
Slow down well before reaching the scene, turn on hazard lights, and move into a lane away from first responders and damaged vehicles if it's safe to do so. Avoid stopping in a travel lane unless necessary.
Why does following distance matter so much on busy highways?
A longer gap between vehicles gives drivers more time to brake or steer around trouble, which can be the difference between a near-miss and a multi-vehicle collision when traffic slows unexpectedly.
