A tragic accident claimed the lives of a woman and two girls on Friday morning along Interstate 270 near Interstate 55. According to Cpl. Dallas Thompson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred in the northbound lanes of I-270, causing a complete blockage near the I-55 ramps.
Thompson explained that the driver of a truck had pulled over, concerned that his cargo was becoming loose. Moments after he parked on the roadside, a 1998 FMC Yukon collided with his truck from behind. The SUV had veered off the left side of the ramp, as reported by the MSHP.
Despite the truck driver's efforts to rescue the occupants of the SUV after it caught fire, he could only extract one child from the vehicle. Tragically, the woman and another child remained trapped and lost their lives in the accident. The woman, identified as 45-year-old Michelle Yaeger, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 7-year-old girl also succumbed to her injuries at the crash site, while the 10-year-old was rushed to the hospital but later passed away. The Hancock Place School District confirmed that the girls were students at Hancock Place Elementary School. Although the school year had ended the day prior, the district assured families that crisis counselors would be available starting next Tuesday to support those affected by the heartbreaking event.
Dr. Brandy Yarbrough, the district's director of counseling and community outreach, expressed deep sorrow for the loss and emphasized their commitment to assisting students, staff, and families during this challenging period. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Carl extended condolences to the family and emphasized the profound impact the tragedy had on the school community.
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