KANSAS CITY - The Independence Police Department is investigating a four-vehicle crash that happened just before 12:30 this morning on Interstate-70 West of Noland Road.
Police say the crash occurred when a Toyota Camry was eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-70 and struck a Kia Optima. After striking the Kia Optima, the Toyota Camry continued eastbound into the path of a Freightliner semi and was struck again. The Toyota Camry was then struck by a Honda Accord before traffic came to a stop.
The driver of the Kia Optima received fatal injuries from the initial impact. He was identified as Ricky Monroe, age 64, of Blue Springs, Missouri. Two of the three other drivers were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.