Crash involving MoDOT truck shuts down I-44 in Doolittle

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A crash on Interstate 44 involving a Missouri Department of Transportation truck has shut down the road near mile marker 179 near Doolittle, according to multiple agencies.

The Doolittle Rural Fire Protection District and Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed a MoDOT truck was involved. The crash occurred in the westbound lanes and “multiple ambulances” were called to the scene.

A social media post from the Doolittle Fire Protection District says a semi-truck rear-ended the MoDOT truck.

Two MoDOT employees were injured in the crash and were brought to a hospital, according to MoDOT spokeswoman Marcia Johnson. The Doolittle Fire Protection District wrote in an updated social media post that the driver of the MoDOT vehicle had minor injuries, but did not describe the injuries of the other person in the vehicle. The driver of the tractor-trailer denied treatment.

The social media post from the Doolittle Fire Protection District says the semi-truck rear-ended the MoDOT truck.

The post says the MoDOT truck had a Truck-Mounted Attenuator, which “are specifically designed to absorb and dissipate the tremendous energy generated when another vehicle strikes the rear of a highway work vehicle.” That device had “significant damage.”

The road was closed for a few hours. Traffic was redirected to the ramps around the crash.

Crews then worked to remove oil that was spilled during the crash.