JEFFERSON CITY – Two Missouri Department of Transportation employees were killed Thursday morning when they were struck while working on striping operations on Telegraph Road over Interstate 255 in St. Louis. A third MoDOT worker was transported to the hospital, and his condition was described as critical.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 58-year-old James Brooks of St. Louis and 25-year-old Kaitlyn Anderson of De Soto were killed and 35-year-old Michael S. Brown was seriously injured. Brown was taken to Mercy South.
The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash, 52-year-old Stanley W. McFadden of Hillsboro, received moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy South.
The patrol says the crash happened when a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier being driven north on Telegraph Road (Mo 231) and struck the three workers and a stopped 2013 Chevrolet Silverado owned by MoDOT. The patrol says the MoDOT vehicle had its emergency lights on.
The crash happened about 11:04 a.m. in a right turn lane on Telegraph Road leading to I-255 westbound.
MoDOT says Brooks, a senior maintenance worker had worked for the department almost nine years. Anderson, an intermediate maintenance worker had worked for the department for two years.
“Our hearts are breaking and our sympathies go out to all the families of our employees. These are our friends and coworkers and their presence will be sorely missed by us,” said Tom Blair, MoDOT St. Louis District Engineer.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has released the following statement regarding the incident:
“Teresa and I are saddened to learn of the tragic event that occurred near I-255 in the St. Louis area this morning where two of our MoDOT team members were killed and another seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle.
“James Brooks and Kaitlyn Anderson were dedicated public servants who were taken far too soon.
“Our hearts go out to all their family and friends.
“We ask that all Missourians join us in praying for their loved ones and for the full recovery of our teammate that remains in critical condition.”