A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Saturday, claiming the life of a woman from Republic, Missouri. The series of events began with her ejection from a vehicle in one crash, followed by a fatal collision with a separate car on I-44.
As detailed in the initial Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, a Pontiac Grand AM carrying four individuals was traveling westbound on I-44 near mile-marker 123.
The vehicle veered off the left side of the road, prompting the driver to make an overcorrection. Tragically, this led to the car careening off the right side of the road, ultimately overturning. The violent motion resulted in 42-year-old Crystal Hassett being thrown from the vehicle.
The initial report indicated Hassett was in serious condition. The remaining three occupants of the car sustained minor injuries and were transported to a Springfield hospital for treatment.
In a devastating turn of events, a second crash report, filed at 1:16 a.m., revealed that an unidentified vehicle struck Hassett while she lay on the road following the initial collision. Regrettably, she was pronounced deceased at approximately 2:30 a.m. by the Laclede County coroner.
The vehicle responsible for the fatal second collision continued its course westbound on I-44.
This incident marks the 21st fatal crash for MSHP Troop I in 2023.