FRANKLIN, MO, (September 26, 2024) - The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) says four men were seriously hurt after being hit by a motor vehicle in Franklin County’s Villa Ridge Thursday afternoon.
The incident happened at approximately 2:32 p.m. along Interstate 44 at mile marker 250.
According to the Highway Patrol’s report, all the victims had parked their vehicles—a 2007 Dodge Ram and a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban—to change a tire. Meanwhile, a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 27-year-old Rolla man was traveling westbound on the highway when it attempted to slow for traffic ahead. The truck driver, however, lost control and crashed into the Ram, which subsequently collided with the pedestrians, pinning them against the Suburban.
The men were transported to Mercy Hospital St. Louis for treatment, MSHP said.
One of the victims has been identified as 39-year-old Lavar Tolliver of St. Louis.
Authorities are investigating.