‘Kids just got out of school’: Teens die in crash with semitruck just as summer break starts
WEBSTER COUNTY, Mo. (KY3/Gray News) - Two Missouri teenagers have lost their lives in a crash involving a semitruck on Thursday night.
According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 17-year-old girl was driving an SUV with two engers on U.S. 60 near Porter Crossing Road.
Around 9:30 p.m., the female driver began crossing the westbound lanes and was hit by a semitruck. The SUV rolled several times and was thrown off the right side of the road.
The two engers, a 15-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, died in the crash. The driver was taken to a Springfield hospital with moderate injuries. The semitruck driver was not injured.
Authorities did not immediately identify those involved in the crash.
Travis Trent with the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District was one of the first to respond.
According to Trent, the driver of the SUV didn’t see the oncoming truck and pulled out in front of the semi.
“It truly is an accident. There was no alcohol, substance abuse, or anything like that involved,” he said.
Authorities say this time is considered the 100 deadliest days of summer when traffic fatalities involving young drivers usually rise.
Mike McClure with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said these types of crashes often occur when teens are driving on roads they’ve been on many times before.
“For any driver, those are going to be the most dangerous times because of the monotony and the familiarity of that roadway,” he said.
Trent said Thursday’s crash is a huge loss for the community.
“Kids just got out of school last week, it’s the beginning of everybody’s summer. They’re supposed to be out having fun, making memories with their friends and families. This (incident) tarnishes that a little bit for this summer,” Trent said.
The Logan-Rogersville School District said it is sending its deepest condolences to the families affected.
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