Quick Facts:
Where: The accident occurred in the eastbound lanes of Highway 116 near Lathrop in Clinton County, Missouri.
What Happened: A utility truck allegedly crossed over the center line of the roadway, causing a tractor-trailer traveling the opposite direction to swerve off the roadway.
Participants:
- Benjamin Reed, driver of tractor-trailer
- John Pollock, driver of utility truck
Reported Injuries/Fatalities:
- Benjamin Reed, 44, killed
Details:
On or about Monday, November 23rd, 2020, an accident involving a tractor-trailer and a utility truck claimed the life of a 44-year-old Kansas City man. Officers said the accident happened on Highway 116 just outside Lathrop in Clinton County, Missouri.
Police believe 44-year-old Benjamin Reed was killed when a utility truck allegedly crossed over the center line of Highway 116. Reed was driving a tractor-trailer and swerved to avoid a collision before crashing off the side of the roadway. Reed was pronounced dead of his injuries a short time after the accident. The utility truck did not stay at the scene of the accident.
Authorities said the utility truck was tracked down in Jefferson County, and have since charged the driver, 43-year-old John Pollock, with three alleged charges – including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, involuntary manslaughter in the second degree, and tampering with a motor vehicle in the first degree.
Multiple agencies are assisting with the accident investigation.