KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI — A semi-truck driver was critically injured Friday morning after a rear-end crash involving two tractor-trailers shut down westbound Interstate 70 near the Truman Sports Complex for several hours.
The crash happened shortly before 7:45 a.m. on westbound I-70 near Sterling Avenue, just past Blue Ridge Cutoff.
Semi Was Slowing or Stopped in Traffic
According to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department’s preliminary investigation, a white Volvo tractor-trailer was traveling westbound on I-70 when it was slowing or stopped because of traffic congestion.
Police said a second white Volvo tractor-trailer then rear-ended the first truck.
After the impact, the striking semi caught fire.
First Semi Driver Hospitalized
The driver of the first Volvo tractor-trailer was taken to the hospital with critical injuries, according to police.
KCPD later said the driver was in stable condition.
The driver and passenger of the striking tractor-trailer were not injured.
Westbound I-70 Closed for Hours
The crash forced officials to close all westbound lanes of I-70 at Sterling Avenue during the morning commute.
The closure was near Highway 40, Sterling Avenue, Blue Ridge Cutoff, and the Truman Sports Complex area.
The on-ramp to westbound I-70 from Blue Ridge Boulevard was also closed to prevent additional traffic from backing up into the crash scene.
Traffic was rerouted onto Highway 40, with congestion backing up well into Independence.
Fire and Cleanup Crews Responded
Emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire, clear the wreckage, and handle fluids that were visible on the roadway.
Kansas City Fire Department said Raytown and Independence first responders were instrumental in helping manage the scene.
Westbound I-70 reopened shortly before 11 a.m.
Police said the crash remains under investigation.
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