St. Charles, MO (August 18, 2025) – A four-vehicle chain reaction crash on eastbound Interstate 70 west of Convention Center Blvd sent four people to area hospitals Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 4:50 p.m. on August 16 during a period of heavy congestion in St. Charles County.
Emergency responders from St. Charles County Ambulance District arrived on the scene to assess and treat the injured. According to crash investigators, the driver of a 2003 Ford E350 van, a 33-year-old man from Donnellson, IL, failed to maintain proper lookout and was following too closely in congested traffic. In an attempt to avoid a rear-end collision, he veered left and struck the rear of a 2013 Subaru Outback driven by a 41-year-old woman from St. Louis.
The force of the impact caused the van to then overcorrect and strike the left side of a 2018 Buick Enclave driven by a 69-year-old St. Louis woman. The Buick was pushed forward, striking the rear of a fourth vehicle, a 2020 Ford Escape operated by a 66-year-old woman from Waterloo, IL.
The crash left multiple vehicles with significant damage, with the Subaru and Buick both requiring towing from the scene due to extensive damage. The Ford Escape sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.
Four people were reported injured in the crash. The Subaru driver and a 28-year-old male passenger in the Ford van were both taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles with minor injuries. The 69-year-old driver of the Buick Enclave was transported with moderate injuries, while her 34-year-old passenger from St. Peters was taken to Barnes-Jewish Hospital St. Peters with minor injuries.
Missouri State Highway Patrol, along with additional troopers and St. Charles officers, assisted with the crash response and investigation. The incident remains under review.
We extend our well wishes for a speedy recovery to all individuals injured in this crash.
Interstate Crashes in Missouri
Congested interstates like I-70 in St. Charles County are common locations for multi-vehicle collisions, especially during peak travel times. The incident this past Saturday demonstrates how one miscalculation in stop-and-go traffic can trigger a chain reaction with injuries across multiple vehicles.
In this case, the initial failure to maintain proper following distance led to a sequence of impacts involving four vehicles. Such chain-reaction crashes often result in a variety of injury types and levels of damage, with some vehicles absorbing multiple collisions from various angles. For the drivers and passengers involved—especially those in the Subaru and Buick—this resulted in not just extensive damage but medical transport as well.
Statistically, rear-end and sideswipe crashes account for a large proportion of interstate collisions. When visibility is reduced by traffic or driver distraction, it becomes even more difficult to react in time. Missouri law emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe following distance, particularly in high-volume corridors like I-70, where traffic slowdowns can happen unexpectedly.
Notably, this crash involved drivers from several different cities and states, highlighting the regional nature of interstate travel and the potential for significant logistical challenges following a crash. When multiple insurers, out-of-state drivers, and varying levels of injury are involved, victims often find themselves needing additional support to navigate the legal and medical aftermath.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a multi-vehicle collision on a Missouri interstate, it’s important to act quickly. Seeking medical care, documenting damages, and understanding your legal rights are all critical steps to protecting your well-being and your future.
At Local Accident Reports, we help injury victims in Missouri access the tools and support they need after a crash. Whether you’re looking for medical guidance, legal options, or help understanding your next steps, we’re here for you. Don’t wait to get the answers you deserve—reach out today.
