Marina
A tragic accident occurred on Interstate 70 on Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of a man who was struck by the rear axle of a tractor-trailer. This incident caused a temporary closure of the eastbound lanes of I-70, creating significant traffic delays.
Details of the Incident
The Crash
According to the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, a man was traveling east in a black GMC Sierra pickup truck on I-70, just west of Blue Ridge Cutoff.
A white Freightliner tractor-trailer was behind the GMC Sierra. The tractor-trailer driver attempted to change lanes, but the situation soon escalated when the driver of the GMC decided to exit his truck.
Attempt to Board the Trailer
The GMC driver exited his vehicle on the interstate and attempted to enter the cab of the Freightliner. As the tractor-trailer driver slowly moved forward to distance himself from the GMC, the man ran beside the truck’s flatbed trailer.
The driver of the GMC tried to grab onto a retention strap as the trailer continued to move. However, he lost his grip and fell off the trailer. Tragically, he was struck and run over by the rear axle of the tractor-trailer.
Immediate Aftermath
The incident led to the closure of all eastbound lanes of I-70 at the I-435 interchange for approximately two hours, causing considerable delays for drivers.
Despite the emergency response, the GMC driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the victim has not been released to the public.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured during the accident, according to police reports.
Fatalities in 2025
This incident marks the 32nd fatal crash in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2025. At this same point in 2024, there were 47 fatal crashes recorded.
This heartbreaking accident highlights the dangers associated with highway traffic and the tragic consequences that can arise from unexpected decisions.
It’s a reminder to always prioritize safety and exercise caution when traveling on busy highways.