Three killed in accident on I-55 near Hayti

HAYTI, Mo. -- A single-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 55 killed three people Sunday afternoon.

About 3:55 p.m., a Ford Expedition carrying 10 people southbound near the Hayti exit blew a tire, ran off the road and rolled over multiple times, said Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper Clark Parrott. Multiple people were ejected from the vehicle, he said. Investigators have not identified the victims, but said they all appeared to be from the state of Mississippi.

It was unclear Sunday evening what type of group was in the SUV.

"We know there were several children. We don't know any ages," said sheriff's department dispatcher Tim Gordon.

Authorities responded to the scene with five ambulances and four medical-evacuation helicopters, Gordon said.

Several victims were transported to Pemiscot Memorial Hospital in Hayti. Several were flown to Memphis, Tenn., Gordon said.

"If the injuries aren't as life-threatening they'll take them to Cape Girardeau," Gordon said.

Investigators closed the interstate while they cleared the scene. About 5:30 p.m., the interstate was opened back up, but was moving slowly because one lane remained closed.

The state Highway Patrol's Crash Reconstruction team was called to the scene.

Pertinent address:

Hayti, Mo.