A 24-year-old man died early Monday morning after the SUV he was driving struck a traffic pole and caught fire in Arnold, Missouri, prompting a crash investigation that shut down lanes in both directions for hours. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation into exactly what went wrong.
The precise time and location of the crash remain somewhat murky, with two local outlets offering differing details. According to FOX 2, the crash happened around 12:45 a.m. in the area of Highway 141 and Big Bill Road, while First Alert 4 reported it occurred around 12:30 a.m. at the intersection of Missouri Route 141 and Old Lemay Ferry Road. Both outlets agree the wreck appeared to involve a single vehicle.
SUV Struck Pole Before Catching Fire
Per the station's report, a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report indicates the man was driving northbound in his SUV when he took a turn too fast and struck a traffic pole. Crews arriving on scene found the vehicle with heavy front-end damage, already engulfed in flames.
Paramedics determined the man could not be saved and pronounced him dead at the scene, the same report notes. No further details about the driver's identity have been released.
Lanes Reopened as Investigation Continued
While crews worked the scene, traffic was still able to move through the intersection, though lanes in each direction were closed off during the investigation, according to the same account. It is not clear how long the closures lasted or whether the roadway has since fully reopened.
Crews are investigating the major crash, and FOX 2 says it will provide additional information once it becomes available. The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to lead the inquiry into the circumstances of the fatal wreck, and no further findings have yet been made public.
