St. Louis, MO (May 28, 2025) – A three-vehicle collision occurred on Tuesday morning on northbound Interstate 55, just north of Meramec Bottom Rd, sending all three drivers to the hospital with injuries. The chain-reaction crash was triggered by an unexpected roadway hazard and led to moderate traffic delays during the early commute.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash began when a dog suddenly entered the northbound lanes of I-55. The driver of a 2025 GMC Terrain, a 51-year-old woman from Arnold, braked abruptly in an attempt to avoid hitting the animal. Following closely behind her was a 52-year-old man from Ste. Genevieve was driving a 2021 Volkswagen Passat when she collided with the rear of her vehicle. A third vehicle, a 2011 Nissan Sentra driven by a 34-year-old man from Imperial, then struck the back of the Volkswagen.
All three vehicles were towed from the scene by Miners Towing due to moderate to minor damage. Emergency medical teams from the Mehlville Fire Protection District responded and transported all three drivers to Mercy Hospital South for treatment of injuries. Fortunately, all involved were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
MSGT M.G. Autenrieth investigated the incident, which highlighted the dangers of following too closely at highway speeds.
We wish each of the individuals involved a quick and full recovery.
Highway Chain-Reaction Crashes in Missouri
Tuesday morning’s collision on I-55 is a textbook example of how quickly traffic conditions can change on major highways, especially when unexpected hazards like animals enter the roadway. While the driver of the lead vehicle responded appropriately by braking to avoid a collision, the two following vehicles were traveling too closely to stop in time, resulting in a rear-end pileup.
Rear-end crashes remain one of the most common types of multi-vehicle accidents in Missouri, particularly on high-speed corridors like I-55. The combination of close following distances, reaction delay, and sudden changes in traffic flow can make it nearly impossible to avoid impact once braking begins.
In this case, all drivers were wearing seat belts, which played a critical role in minimizing the severity of injuries. While each was hospitalized with minor trauma, the outcome could have been far worse if seat belt use had been neglected, especially during a high-speed, multi-vehicle sequence.
Drivers are urged to maintain safe following distances, particularly in areas where visibility is limited or where wildlife crossings are known to occur. Even in broad daylight, unexpected obstacles like animals, debris, or disabled vehicles can trigger abrupt traffic changes that demand immediate reaction.
In the aftermath of crashes like this, victims often face more than physical discomfort. The burden of vehicle repairs, medical visits, insurance paperwork, and lost time from work adds layers of stress. That’s why early action—medical follow-up, proper documentation, and legal or insurance support—is so essential.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Missouri, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect individuals with local medical, legal, and recovery professionals who understand the road to healing. Reach out today and take the next step toward protecting your health and rights.
