UPDATE: I-55 Fully Reopened Following Fatal Wrong-Way Collision
St. Louis, MO – June 27, 2025 — Authorities have reopened all lanes of Interstate 55 following a tragic wrong-way crash Thursday evening that claimed the lives of two drivers and prompted a large-scale emergency response and investigation.
The incident began just after 7:30 p.m., when multiple 911 calls came in reporting a gray Kia SUV traveling the wrong direction—northbound in the southbound lanes—after entering from the Truman exit. Witnesses described the SUV moving at high speed, narrowly missing vehicles as it traveled against the flow of traffic.
Shortly afterward, officers from Missouri State Highway Patrol District 3 and St. Louis Police were dispatched to a major crash on I-55 northbound near the Gasconade entrance ramp. When first responders arrived, they found two severely damaged vehicles: the gray Kia SUV and a white Chevrolet Corvette.
Tragically, both drivers—an adult woman in the Kia and an adult man in the Corvette—were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
The Accident Reconstruction Unit was immediately called to the scene to begin a meticulous investigation into the circumstances leading up to the fatal head-on collision. Investigators worked through the night collecting evidence, documenting debris patterns, and reconstructing the timeline based on surveillance footage and witness accounts.
Due to the severity of the crash and the complexity of the scene, I-55 northbound was closed at the 4500 block of South Broadway for several hours while crews worked to investigate and clear the wreckage.
As of early Friday morning, all lanes of I-55 have been reopened and traffic is flowing normally in both directions.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the incident and whether factors such as impairment, medical distress, or vehicle malfunction played a role.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to contact the St. Louis Police Accident Reconstruction Unit to assist with the ongoing investigation.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from wrong-way driving. The community mourns the loss of life and offers its deepest condolences to the families affected.
