Anthony Meunier Killed in Truck Accident on I-70 in Odessa, MO
Odessa, MO — February 8, 2023, 39-year-old Anthony Meunier was killed in a crash between semi-trucks on Interstate 70 in Lafayette County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 6:00 a.m. along the interstate near mile marker 42 and the I-70 Speedway in Odessa. Preliminary investigation suggests a big rig stopped in traffic that formed in the area due to a previous crash. Moments later a second truck driven by Meunier crashed into the stopped 18-wheeler; reports suggest he may have tried to pass it but made contact.
Meunier was fatally injured in the collision. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
On this blog I often try to stress the importance of a full investigation. In the interest of fully understanding the crash and finding badly-needed answers for victims and their families, it's important to gather and analyze all the available facts. After the Odessa crash, for instance, what would a forensic investigation of the striking truck and analysis of its electronic data show? Is there any helpful footage from the truck's dashcam or cab-cam? Would hours of service logs or phone records provide insights? What were the area's road, weather, and traffic conditions at the time?
That's only a handful of the questions a comprehensive investigation will cover, but it's not clear yet whether those in charge will answer them all. If they lack the time, tools, or training to do so, important details might slip through the cracks and an incomplete or incorrect narrative could be mistaken for the truth. That simply won't do for the people who lost a loved one in Lafayette County, so I hope authorities will make sure they get the whole story.
