A crash on westbound Interstate 44 at mile marker 228.4 in Franklin County on the night of August 10, 2024, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left one person with minor injuries. The crash involved multiple vehicles that were stopped in traffic due to a previous incident.
The accident occurred at approximately 9:31 p.m. when a 2022 Freightliner Cascadia driven by Dalwinder Singh, 25, of Merced, California, struck a 2008 Toyota Avalon. The Toyota was then pushed into a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia, which collided with a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia. A 2017 Nissan Sentra also became involved in the crash when it struck the 2022 Freightliner.
The following individuals were injured or killed in the crash:
- Bailey N. Snider, 25, of Rolla, Missouri – Driver of the Toyota Avalon, pronounced deceased at the scene.
- Chelsea L. Smith, 32, of Steelville, Missouri – Driver of the Nissan Sentra, pronounced deceased at the scene.
- Juvenile, 5, of Steelville, Missouri – Occupant of the Nissan Sentra, pronounced deceased at the scene.
- Brian K. Brown, 27, of Indianapolis, Indiana – Driver of the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.
The drivers of the other Freightliners were not injured.
Several towing companies were involved in removing the vehicles from the crash site. Vogelgesang’s Towing handled the towing of the 2022 Freightliner Cascadia and the 2008 Toyota Avalon. I-44 Towing was responsible for towing the 2021 Freightliner Cascadia, while Chuck’s Towing removed the 2018 Freightliner Cascadia. Hoffman’s Towing was tasked with towing the 2017 Nissan Sentra.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol led the investigation, with assistance from the Sullivan Police Department and deputies from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
