Two seriously injured after semi-truck causes rear-end collision on I-35

LATHROP, Mo. (KCTV) – Two people suffered life-threatening injuries after a semi-truck crashed into the back of a pickup and another semi-truck, causing a rollover collision on I-35 east of Lathrop.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol indicates that on Friday, November 8, around 10:15 a.m., emergency services were called to the area of I-35 and Missouri Highway 116, east of Lathrop, for reports of a three-vehicle collision.

When first responders arrived, they said they found a 2024 Volvo semitruck, a 2025 Freightliner Cascadia and a 1999 Ford F-250 all heading north on the highway.

Investigators noted that the 62-year-old Reinbeck, Iowa, driver of the Freightliner and the 69-year-old Lathrop driver of the pickup slowed down for traffic in front of them. Meanwhile, the 47-year-old driver of the Volvo semi-truck from Geneva, Illinois, rode in the back of the pickup.

State Troopers said the impact caused the pickup to veer off the right side of the highway, skid sideways and roll over once. The Volvo semi truck then crashed into the Freightliner’s towed unit.

First responders indicated the pickup driver and his passenger, a 59-year-old Lathrop woman, were both taken to Liberty Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Volvo semi-trailer was also taken Freedom Hospital but with probably minor injuries.

Law enforcement officials noted that the driver of the Freightliner escaped the crash without injury. Everyone involved was wearing seat belts at the time.

Investigators also said that both the Volvo semi truck and Ford pickup were total losses in the crash, while the Freightliner suffered minor damage. No further information has been released.