BY DAN GRAY, ROCHE MADDEN AND JOE MILLITZER
FRANKLIN COUNTY Mo. – Four people were killed Friday afternoon in an accident on Highway 47 at Forest View Drive near Union.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) said the crash involved a semi tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle.
The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. State police said a 2010 Chevy Cobalt traveling southbound on Highway 47 crossed the center line and struck a tractor-trailer heading northbound. The Cobalt was crushed. Two other vehicles were damaged in the accident.
“Almost like someone might have fallen asleep possibly, there was no erratic driving beforehand,” said Trooper Dallas Thompson, MSHP.
Two adults and two children, ages 4 and 5, were killed. Authorities identified the accident victims as 58-year-old Michael DeClue, 78-year-old Catherine Mesey, Alayah Pratt, and Isaac Pratt. DeClue and Mesey were from the De Soto area and the two children were from Desloge.
DeClue was the kids’ great uncle and Mesey their great grandmother.
The semi-truck went off the highway and ended up partially in a front yard. The 46-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.
One of the tow truck workers, Jason Pauk of Patriot Towing, is friends with the driver of the semi.
“His wife texted me earlier and said they think he had some broken ribs,” Pauk said.
Highway 47 between Union and St. Clair was closed for about four hours Friday afternoon. It reopened at about 5:30 p.m.
Glenda Dobsch, who lives near the crash site, saw dust fly into the air after the crash.
“It’s so sad because when they went past here they was all living now they’re gone,” she said.
Dobsch felt sadness after learning two young children were killed.
“I pick up grandkids, I pick up great grandkids from school, and it could have been me; it just makes you sick,” she said.
If you or a loved one have suffered accident injuries in a car accident call Northland Injury Law at 816-400-4878 to speak to a Missouri automobile accident lawyer today for help in recovering the compensation you need. An experienced personal injury attorney can ease some of the burden by engaging in fact-finding, gathering the necessary documentation, and crafting concise and thorough demands for settlement of your claim.
