UPDATE, Feb. 28 | One person died Sunday night in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in Independence.
Independence police said the crash resulted in the death of a driver of a 2019 Tesla, identified as Terry L. Siegel, a 74-year-old resident of Lake Winnebago, Missouri. The passenger in the Tesla was injured and taken to a local hospital.
The crash happened when the Tesla broke down in the center lane of I-70 and was struck by two different vehicles.
"The initial investigation indicates that Terry and his passenger were in a Tesla when a mechanical issue caused the vehicle to lose power and stop in the roadway," a release from Independence police said. "As a result, approaching vehicles were unable to avoid colliding with them."
Drivers and occupants from the two other vehicles were not hurt.
The identity of the deceased driver is not being released at this time, pending notification of family.
The crash remains under investigation.
ORIGINAL STORY, Feb. 27 | Two lanes of westbound Interstate 70 just west of Little Blue Parkway in Independence closed Sunday night due to a multi-vehicle crash.
One lane is open as of 9 p.m.
The incident happened around 8:15 p.m. and involved three vehicles.
Independence Police Department spokesperson Jack Taylor confirmed this was an injury accident, although the extent of injuries is unknown at this time.
Emergency vehicles and authorities are on the scene.
Earlier, all three lanes were closed.
