Marina
On Sunday evening, a significant collision occurred at the intersection of Truman Road and Askew Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. A Toyota Highlander travelling eastbound attempted a left turn onto northbound Askew Avenue, and was struck by a westbound Dodge Dart.
The impact was severe. The driver and front passenger of the Highlander were rushed to hospital in critical condition, while the Dodge Dart driver escaped with minor injuries. Police confirmed that the crash is being investigated for speed and possible impairment.
Key Details at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sunday evening, around 5:45 p.m. |
| Location | Intersection of Truman Road & Askew Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri |
| Vehicles Involved | Toyota Highlander (eastbound, turning left) & Dodge Dart (westbound) |
| Injuries | Two in critical condition (Highlander occupants); one minor injury |
| Possible Factors | Speed and possible impairment under investigation |
| Investigating Agency | Kansas City Police Department |
How the Crash Unfolded
According to witness accounts and initial police reports, the Highlander was making a left-turn maneuver from eastbound Truman Road onto northbound Askew Avenue when the westbound Dodge Dart struck it nearly head-on from the side.
The force of the collision caused major damage to both vehicles. Emergency responders arrived within minutes and transported the Highlander driver and passenger in critical condition to a nearby trauma centre. The Dart driver was treated on scene for minor injuries.
Traffic investigators are now focusing on whether the speed of one or both vehicles or impairment by alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash.
Why This Intersection Is Risky
Truman Road is a busy east-west thoroughfare with multiple lanes and high traffic volume. Askew Avenue serves as a north-south access route.
Left-turn movements from such multi-lane arterial roads inherently carry risk because the turning vehicle must cross multiple lanes of oncoming traffic. When combined with excess speed and possible impairment, the margin for error shrinks drastically.
In this case, the collision happened during daylight but in the late afternoon, a time when road users may rush to reach home or other commitments.
Safety Notes for Drivers
- Always yield cautiously when making left turns at high-traffic intersections, even when you believe you have the signal or gap.
- Never assume oncoming traffic is travelling at the posted speed – drivers often go faster in multi-lane roads.
- Avoid driving while impaired: alcohol or drugs reduce reaction time and judgement, making complex traffic situations such as left turns much more dangerous.
- Scan beyond immediate lanes when approaching intersections; vehicles can appear suddenly from blind spots or high-speed lanes.
Community Impact & Next Steps
The crash has shaken the local community, especially as two individuals remain in critical condition.
There may be increased local pressure for traffic-safety measures at this intersection, such as dedicated left-turn signals, reduced speed limits or enhanced enforcement of impairment and speeding laws.
Investigation by the Kansas City Police Department will determine whether citations or charges arise, and the findings might trigger traffic engineering reviews of the intersection design.
This serious crash at Truman Road & Askew Avenue serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine driving tasks can become life-threatening when speed, left-turns and possible impairment combine.
Two people remain in critical condition, while a third escaped more lightly injured. As investigators work to piece together exactly what went wrong, it’s a strong warning to all drivers: slow down, stay sober, and treat left turns at busy intersections with extreme care.