St. Louis Co., MO – Four Killed in Multi-Vehicle Wrong-Way Crash on I-170

‍St. Louis County, MO (October 6, 2025) – A devastating wrong-way collision on northbound Interstate 170 near Interstate 70 claimed the lives of four people on October 6, marking one of the most tragic roadway incidents in the St. Louis area this year.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the crash occurred at approximately 1:05 p.m. when a Chevrolet Equinox traveling southbound in the northbound lanes collided head-on with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The force of the impact caused the Jeep to overturn, and it was then struck by a Nissan Pathfinder. The Equinox was subsequently hit by a Toyota Corolla following the initial collision.

The driver of the Chevrolet Equinox, an 88-year-old man from St. Louis, was taken to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 60-year-old man from St. Albans, along with two passengers, a 69-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man, both from Hazelwood, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators with the MSHP continue to determine how the wrong-way driver entered the highway. Sgt. Andrew Gadberry noted that incidents of this nature, while rare, can happen unexpectedly and often with catastrophic results. Authorities are examining potential contributing factors, including signage visibility, roadway design, and driver awareness.

Our deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.

Roadway Safety in Missouri and Legal Options After Fatal Crashes

Wrong-way crashes are among the most catastrophic types of highway collisions, often occurring at high speeds and leaving drivers and passengers with little or no time to react. According to national traffic safety data, wrong-way incidents, though relatively rare, are significantly more likely to result in fatalities due to the violent, head-on nature of impact. These collisions highlight how a single moment of confusion, distraction, or impairment can lead to irreversible tragedy.

Drivers are urged to remain especially vigilant on divided highways and interstates, particularly when entering or exiting ramps where wrong-way entries are most common. Staying alert to roadway signage, avoiding distractions, and reporting any suspected wrong-way drivers to law enforcement immediately can help save lives and prevent similar incidents across Missouri.

Despite improvements in roadway design, patrol enforcement, and signage, wrong-way and high-speed crashes remain a persistent threat throughout Missouri. Driver fatigue, impairment, confusion, and distraction continue to play major roles in these deadly events. 

Families who lose loved ones in highway collisions often face devastating emotional, financial, and mental consequences. Beyond coping with grief, they face medical costs, funeral expenses, and complex questions about responsibility and insurance coverage. At Dunk Law Firm, we work closely with families to understand their rights and pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. Our legal team of skilled wrongful death attorneys collaborates with investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and insurance representatives to build strong claims for accountability and recovery.

If your family has been impacted by a fatal crash, contact us at 414-209-4398 for a consultation. We are here to offer compassionate guidance, unwavering support, and legal advocacy during this deeply difficult time.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. We have not independently verified all details of the incident. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Dunk Law Firm so we can promptly review and correct the content for accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship nor constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and consult a qualified attorney. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the actual scene or parties involved in the incident.