St. Louis, MO (May 13, 2025) – A serious crash on eastbound Interstate 270 early Monday morning left two young children hospitalized with significant injuries following a collision involving a disabled vehicle. The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. just west of Missouri Highway 367 and is under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The crash unfolded when a 2002 Nissan Maxima became disabled in the fourth lane of I-270 eastbound. A 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, traveling in the same lane, struck the rear of the stalled Maxima after the driver attempted to swerve right to avoid impact. Despite the evasive action, the Malibu collided with the back of the Maxima, resulting in total damage to both vehicles.
The Malibu was carrying two juvenile passengers, a 3-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, both from St. Louis, neither of whom was secured with safety devices at the time of the crash. Both children sustained serious injuries and were transported by Christian EMS to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment.
The 50-year-old male driver of the Malibu, a Wentzville resident, was wearing a seat belt and has not been reported as injured. The driver of the Nissan, a 28-year-old woman from St. Louis, was not wearing a seat belt and also sustained undisclosed injuries. Both vehicles were towed by Terry’s Towing.
We extend our heartfelt wishes for healing and recovery to the injured children and all others affected by this crash.
Disabled Vehicles and Highway Safety Risks in Missouri
Monday morning’s collision on Interstate 270 highlights a critical hazard on Missouri’s highways—vehicles disabled in active travel lanes. The danger posed by a stationary car in a high-speed zone is immense, especially in the early morning hours when visibility may be low and traffic flow is fast-moving.
In this case, a 2002 Nissan Maxima was stalled in lane four, and a Chevrolet Malibu with two unrestrained children aboard collided with it despite efforts to avoid the impact. Unfortunately, the absence of proper child restraints significantly increased the severity of the young passengers’ injuries—an all-too-common outcome in preventable crash scenarios.
Missouri law mandates the use of child safety seats and seat belts, and this incident reinforces just how critical those protections are. When properly used, child restraints reduce the risk of serious injury or death by over 70%. The serious injuries suffered by both children in this crash emphasize the devastating consequences of not using these safety measures.
Additionally, highway breakdowns should be handled with extreme caution. Drivers are urged to exit the roadway as quickly and safely as possible, activate hazard lights, and call for assistance. Remaining in a travel lane, especially on an interstate like I-270, places everyone at risk—including approaching drivers and emergency responders.
For those impacted by serious crashes involving children, the road to recovery can be long and emotionally taxing. Medical treatment, rehabilitation, emotional trauma, and financial strain often follow. Families need strong support systems and clear access to recovery resources to navigate these challenges.
If your child has been injured in a traffic collision or you’ve been involved in a highway crash involving a disabled vehicle, help is available.
Every child’s safety matters, especially after tragedy. Local Accident Reports supports Missouri families by connecting them with trusted recovery resources and next-step guidance following serious crashes. Reach out today to find the support you need during this difficult time.