JEFFERSON CITY – A Ste. Genevieve woman died and three other Ste. Genevieve residents were injured in a traffic crash on Highway 32 east of Joggerst Road.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the 50-year-old woman who died was the driver of one of four vehicles involved in the crash. She was pronounced at the scene by the Ste. Genevieve County Coroner and then taken to the Basler Funeral Home.
It was reported that she was a well-beloved employee of the Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II and classes in the district were dismissed at noon. A school official said counselors will be available Monday. The district’s winter break begins Monday.
The Highway Patrol reports a 23-year-old woman who was driving a Kia Forte had moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South, a woman aged 55 who was driving the school bus had minor injuries and a woman aged 65 who was an occupant on the school bus each had minor injuries. They were taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital Jefferson.
The patrol says the crash happened when a westbound 2025 Volvo tractor-trailer rig stopped on Highway 32 and a westbound Kia Forte struck the trailer unit, overturned and struck the front of an eastbound 2013 Freightliner bus. The bus struck the westbound Toyota Highlander which was driven by the woman who perished in the crash. The driver of the tractor trailer rig, a 35-year-old Farmington man, was not hurt.
The school official stated that the bus was owned and operated by the Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II and had four occupants: a female driver, another adult and two students. The bus driver and the adult each had minor injuries. The others were not hurt.
The Kia Forte was a total loss, the Highlander and the bus had extensive damage, and the Volvo had minor damage. The Kia Forte, Highlander and the bus were towed by Ste. Genevieve County Towing. The Volvo was towed by Reagan Towing.
The crash happened about 7:13 a.m.
Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II Superintendent Paul Taylor issued this statement:
SG R-II Families:
“We will be dismissing early today (Friday, Dec. 19) at noon.
“We have some difficult news to share with you. Bloomsdale Elementary has suffered an unexpected, tragic loss of a staff member this morning. This loss is incredibly hard to process for so many, especially right before winter break.
“Again, we will release at noon today. We understand that some families might have trouble picking up students early, and we will be able to keep students until the end of the day, if necessary.
We will have counseling staff available today and Monday morning for those who need support. Our thoughts are with the family and with all of our family at BLE.
“Please take care of yourselves and one another during this difficult time.”
Dr. Paul Taylor
Superintendent
A Valle Catholic School official also expressed sympathy.
“Valle Catholic Schools extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ste. Genevieve R-II School District and community.
“We lift up their family, friends, colleagues, and students in prayer, asking God for comfort, peace, and strength during this difficult time.”
Missouri State Representative Bryant Wolfin also expressed his condolences.
“My heart breaks for the family and for the entire R-II school district.
“Please send prayers their way.”