Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, February 11, 2026
A tragic accident on Interstate 55 near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, involved a 2009 Pontiac G5 that veered off the road, leading to the death of the driver and serious injuries to a passenger from Jacksonville, Illinois. The driver was pronounced dead on the scene, while the injured passenger was not wearing a seat belt and was flown to St. Louis University Hospital for treatment. The vehicle sustained extensive damage, highlighting the importance of road safety and seat belt usage.
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri – Serious Injury in I-55 Crash Involving Jacksonville Passenger
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri – A serious accident occurred on Interstate 55 near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, resulting in significant injuries to a passenger from Jacksonville, Illinois. The incident took place on the southbound lanes of I-55, approximately 154 miles south of Ste. Genevieve, at around 9:37 a.m. on Sunday. A 2009 Pontiac G5, driven by a 21-year-old man from Ste. Genevieve, veered off the right side of the interstate, struck a rock bluff, and overturned. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 10:00 a.m. by emergency medical services personnel. A passenger, also a 21-year-old man from Ste. Genevieve, sustained injuries and was flown by Air Evac 80 to St. Louis University Hospital. Reports indicate the passenger was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. The Pontiac was extensively damaged and was towed from the scene by Ste. Genevieve County Towing. Troopers received assistance at the crash site from the Ste. Genevieve County Coroner’s Office, along with multiple highway patrol officers.
Details of the Accident
The accident transpired in the southbound lanes of I-55 at approximately 9:37 a.m. The driver, a 21-year-old man from Ste. Genevieve, lost control of the vehicle, leading to the tragic outcome. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the passenger, who was not wearing a seat belt, was evacuated by air to seek further medical attention. The extensive damage to the vehicle necessitated it being towed away from the crash site.
Background Information
Interstate 55 is a significant north-south highway in Missouri, linking cities such as St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve. This particular stretch has witnessed various accidents over the years. For context, just a few months ago in March 2023, a one-vehicle accident on I-55 resulted in a fatality when a vehicle veered off the highway due to a mechanical failure, underscoring the potential dangers present on this busy route. Such incidents serve as reminders of the importance of road safety and responsible driving.
Safety Recommendations
Officials stress the paramount importance of wearing seat belts at all times. Research has consistently shown that seat belts can significantly decrease the likelihood of severe injury or fatality in accidents. Both drivers and passengers are encouraged to remain alert and to adhere to all traffic laws, which are designed to foster safety on the road for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the accident near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri?
A 2009 Pontiac G5, driven by a 21-year-old man from Ste. Genevieve, veered off the right side of the southbound lanes of I-55, struck a rock bluff, and overturned. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and a passenger from Jacksonville, Illinois, sustained injuries and was flown to St. Louis University Hospital. The passenger was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
What are the safety recommendations following this accident?
Authorities emphasize the importance of wearing seat belts at all times, regardless of the vehicle’s position or the length of the trip. Seat belts are proven to significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Drivers and passengers are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to all traffic laws to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Key Features of the Accident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southbound lanes of I-55, approximately 154 miles south of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri |
| Time | 9:37 a.m. on Sunday |
| Vehicles Involved | 2009 Pontiac G5 |
| Driver’s Age and Residence | 21-year-old man from Ste. Genevieve |
| Passenger’s Age and Residence | 21-year-old man from Jacksonville, Illinois |
| Outcome | Driver pronounced dead at the scene; passenger sustained injuries and was flown to St. Louis University Hospital |
| Seat Belt Usage | Passenger was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident |
| Vehicle Damage | Extensive damage; vehicle towed from the scene by Ste. Genevieve County Towing |
| Assisting Agencies | Ste. Genevieve County Coroner’s Office, multiple highway patrol officers |
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