Missouri Highway Patrol completes major crash investigation
The Major Crash Investigation Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol completed an investigation into a March 21, 2008 tractor-trailer crash that killed three children south of Rolla, according to the Rolla Daily News.
The accident occurred when a 2003 Freightliner tractor-trailer, driven by Alvin Lewis, 38, rear-ended a 1989 Ford Tempo on Highway 63 near Edgar Springs. Riding in the car was Mark T. Barton, Christina E. Miess, and Miess’ three children.
Christel Miess, 12; Gracey Miess, 5; and infant Gaberielle Miess were all killed in the crash.
According to the Rolla Daily News, the 117-page report details the events leading up to the crash where the Miess family stopped in a construction zone before being struck by Lewis’ tractor-trailer. The information in the report has been given to local prosecutors and will be used should a criminal trial or a personal injury suit arise from the incident.
While no charges have yet to be filed, the Daily News report suggests that Phelps County Prosecutor Courtney George is likely to seek charges of careless and imprudent driving or even manslaughter.
