Three killed in New Madrid County accident

Icy road conditions contributed to an accident on Interstate 55 that killed three Southeast Missouri residents Sunday morning in New Madrid County.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Sebastian A. Escamilla, 33, of Sikeston, Mo., was traveling northbound on Interstate 55 when he lost control of his 1995 Ford Mustang on the ice-covered road. He slid across the median and struck a 2001 Freightliner driven by Charles F. Emmons of Jackson, Mich. Escamilla was pronounced dead at the scene.

Carlos M. Cruz, 28, of Sikeston, and Frosty D. Santos of Dexter, Mo., passengers in Escamilla's car, were also killed in the accident. A passenger in Emmons' vehicle, Guy G. Cline, 38, of Michigan Center, Mich., sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Icy roads also contributed to three other accidents on Sunday, according to the highway patrol.

Lawrence C. Graham, 32, of Cape Girardeau, was driving a 1994 Ford on County Road 643 when he lost control on the ice, slid off the right side of the road and struck a tree, according to the highway patrol. He sustained moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Southeast Missouri Hospital. He was also issued a citation for failure to drive on the right side of the roadway.

Jerry R. Watkins, 24, of Sikeston was traveling northbound on Interstate 55 when his vehicle lost control on the ice and struck a 2001 Pontiac driven by Lagina C. Davidson of Morehouse, Mo., according to the highway patrol.

Davidson sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Southeast Missouri Hospital.