Authorities in Kansas City have identified the two women who died following a multi-vehicle crash earlier this week along U.S. Route 71 near Meyer Boulevard.
According to the Kansas City Police Department, the crash was reported shortly before 12:40 p.m. Monday on the exit ramp from northbound Highway 71 to Meyer Boulevard. Investigators say several vehicles were involved in the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate that a silver Subaru Forester and a silver Ford Escape were both stopped at a red light on the exit ramp when the crash occurred. Police say a black Ford F-150 traveling northbound on the ramp approached the area at a high rate of speed.
Authorities report that the pickup sideswiped the Ford Escape before striking the rear of the Subaru. The impact pushed the Subaru across multiple lanes of traffic and over a concrete barrier before it overturned and came to rest in the westbound lanes of Meyer Boulevard.
During the sequence of events, the Ford F-150 continued moving across the roadway and later collided with a gray GMC Sierra that was traveling westbound, according to investigators.
Officials confirmed that the driver and front-seat passenger in the Subaru were pronounced dead at the scene. They have been identified as 46-year-old Opia Muntagim and 54-year-old Teri Glass.
Police say the driver of the Ford F-150 was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the Ford Escape sustained injuries that were described as non-life-threatening.
Investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities say that once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to prosecutors to determine whether charges will be filed.
Serious crashes like this often raise important concerns about roadway safety. As the investigation continues, many in the community are asking: what steps can drivers and city officials take to help reduce high-speed crashes and make busy intersections safer for everyone?
