Phelps, MO (January 23, 2026) – A devastating collision on I-44 near the 184 mile marker just west of Rolla claimed the life of a 26-year-old truck driver on Wednesday evening. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that the incident occurred around 5:33 p.m., triggering a large-scale response from local and state emergency personnel.
According to investigators, the crash unfolded as a 2019 Mercedes Sprinter van, driven by an 18-year-old from Springfield, struck the rear end of a 2026 Peterbilt 579 semi-truck. The force of the impact caused the semi to veer off the left side of the westbound interstate. The driver of the semi, attempting to regain control, overcorrected, resulting in the vehicle overturning. Emergency responders from the Rolla City Fire Department and Rolla Police were among those dispatched to the scene.
Despite the use of a safety restraint, the 26-year-old driver of the semi-truck, a resident of Cranberry Township, PA, sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at 6:18 p.m. by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell and was later transported to the Rolla Crematorium. Authorities have confirmed that next of kin were notified. The driver of the Sprinter van did not report serious injuries and was able to drive the vehicle from the scene.
Troopers from Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop I, including MCIU CPL B.J. Blankenbeker and TPR T.A. Kneuper, are continuing the investigation into the events leading up to the collision. Early reports suggest that inattentive driving may have contributed to the initial rear-end impact, but full findings are still pending.
This marks Troop I’s second traffic fatality of January and of 2026. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.
