Man killed in Saturday's I-55 accident

SCOTT CITY, Mo. -- A man was killed and a girl transported to a local hospital after a single-car accident on Interstate 55 at about 10:48 p.m. Saturday.

According to Scott City Police chief Don Cobb Monday, the 17-year-old driver of a car in the northbound lane of I-55 near the 90 mile marker hit a pedestrian walking on or crossing the highway's lanes.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene by Scott County Coroner Scott Amick. Amick could not be reached for comment Monday.

The name of the deceased is not being released until the family has been notified, said a Missouri State Highway Patrol representative Monday.

Cobb said the driver, who was alone in the car, was transported to a local hospital with "some significant injuries."

Cobb said the driver was not exceeding the speed limit and no charges will be applied.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said Monday after hitting the pedestrian, the driver lost control of the car and ran into the mile marker post.

"We believe the victim was hit by other cars after the girl hit him," Walter said.

The Sheriff's Department closed the northbound lanes until about 1 a.m., Walter said, adding that traffic was heavy at that time of night.

"We try to keep traffic moving because it backs up down the road and our fear is having another accident," he said.

Walter said there were reports of motorists stopping in the southbound lane and crossing the highway to be of help, which is dangerous for motorists and pedestrians.

"It's best to make a 911 call and keep driving," he said. "The speed limit is 70 miles an hour there and it's not safe for people to be on the highway or the side of the road."

Scott County Sheriff's Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Scott City fire and rescue responded to the scene, Cobb said.