Kansas City, Missouri: Semi Slams Into Stopped Traffic on U.S. 71, Three Killed on Bruce R. Watkins Drive

Three people riding in a Honda minivan died on Monday afternoon after the driver of a semi truck failed to stop for congested traffic on U.S. Highway 71 in Kansas City, Missouri, and slammed into three vehicles, police said. The crash happened shortly before 3:30 p.m. near where the highway, also called Bruce R. Watkins Drive, passes above East 19th Street.

What police say happened

Capt. Jake Becchina, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department, said in a news release that the semi failed to stop for an area of congested traffic and hit three vehicles. He called it a major traffic incident during rush hour. The driver of the semi was taken into custody on an investigative hold. Police did not name the driver in the release, and they have not said what charges are being considered.

Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins of the Kansas City Fire Department said three cars and the semi were involved. The northbound lanes of the highway were closed while first responders worked at the scene, and drivers were urged to stay away from the area.

The toll rose through the evening

Hopkins said late in the afternoon that two people had been killed and eight patients had been taken to area hospitals. Of those eight, he said, two had minor injuries, four had serious injuries and two were in critical condition.

Police later raised the toll to three dead. Becchina said three passengers in the Honda minivan died: two were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third died from their injuries at a hospital. The driver of the minivan and two other passengers suffered critical injuries and were hospitalized. The driver of a Honda CR-V was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The driver of a Ford SUV was also taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.

What is still unknown

Police have not released the names of the three people who died. The release did not say why the semi did not stop, and the investigation is continuing. Becchina said the department would release more information later.

Bruce R. Watkins Drive is the U.S. 71 freeway that runs south from downtown Kansas City. The closure hit the Monday evening rush hour on one of the main routes through the city.