8 Die in Fiery Car Accident on Icy Mo. Road
A truck jackknifed on an icy stretch of interstate north of Kansas City on Sunday, causing a fiery multi-car accident that killed eight people, authorities said.
Two others were missing in the accident, which involved 19 cars and five trucks, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Many of the vehicles burst into flames, perhaps because one of the trucks leaked hydrochloric acid, patrol Sgt. Jack McMillan said. Seven of the bodies were burned beyond recognition.
McMillan said it was believed there were two more bodies underneath the wreckage that remained on the highway.
Interstate 29 was closed in both directions.
Falling snow had covered already icy roads, making driving dangerous across the region. A truck jackknifed and cars began crashing into it, McMillan said.
Some of the wrecked vehicles were melted together from the heat of the fire, which burned for about an hour. The wreckage was still steaming in the cold night air at 8 p.m.
A team trained to handle hazardous materials was sent to the scene after the accident occurred about 1:50 p.m., but it left by early evening.
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