An Illinois driver was arrested on two counts of involuntary manslaughter after an eight-vehicle crash caused two fatalities Wednesday in Lake Ozark.
According to the patrol's crash report, 62-year-old Daniel A. Burch, of Elizabeth, Illinois, was driving a 2007 Freightliner tractor-trailer westbound on U.S. 54 just east of the Business 54 junction near Route W at around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he allegedly struck a 2004 Pontiac Vibe in the rear. This caused a chain reaction of several vehicles striking each other, the report said.
Miller County Coroner Rick Callahan pronounced 50-year-old Robin L. Dinwiddie, the driver of the Pontiac Vibe, and her daughter, 27-year-old Kendra Oleary, both of Eldon, dead at the scene.
Burch suffered minor injuries and was taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. Aside from the involuntary manslaughter charges, he faces one count of careless and imprudent driving. He was taken to Miller County Jail after his arrest.
Amy L. Shaw, 46, of Jefferson City and the driver of a 2009 Saturn Outlook involved in the accident, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment.
The drivers of two other vehicles involved in the accident suffered moderate injuries. James A. Villines, 42, of Springdale, Alabama, driving a 2001 Dodge Ram, and 41-year-old April D. Cline, of Eldon, driving a 2013 Ford Focus, were both taken to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment.
Three other vehicles were involved in the accident with the drivers suffering no reported injuries. Stephen P. Gifford, 68, of Linn Creek, had his 2001 Nissan Pathfinder totaled from the accident. Warner J. Bullock, 75, of Springfield, drove his 2013 Ford E Series van away from the scene, and James D. Stark, 58, of Waynesville, also drove his 2007 Freightliner tractor trailer away from the scene.
Earlier coverage, posted at 6:45 a.m. April 9, 2015:
An Illinois truck driver was arrested after a deadly crash on U.S. 54 in Lake Ozark, Wednesday.
Missouri Highway Patrol reports show Daniel Burch, 62, was arrested on two counts of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and one count of careless and imprudent driving.
The names of those involved were released early Thursday morning.
The crash occurred just after 3 p.m., just east of Route W.
Burch struck the rear of a car driven by Robin Dinwiddie, 50, Eldon.
This caused a chain reaction with six other vehicles striking each other.
Dinwiddie and her passenger, Kenda Oleary, 27, Eldon, were killed.
Burch had minor injuries.
Others injured included:
• April Cline, 41, Eldon, treated for moderate injuries.
• Amy Shaw, 46, Jefferson City, treated for serious injuries.
• James Villines, 42, Springdale, AL, treated for moderate injuries.
All those involved were wearing seat belts.
Earlier coverage, posted April 8, 2015:
Two people died in an eight-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon along U.S. Highway 54 in Lake Ozark.
The Highway Patrol Major Crash Investigation Unit's preliminary investigation showed tractor trailer was heading westbound on U.S. Highway 54 when it struck a vehicle in its rear. The crash occurred at the junction of U.S. Highway 54 and Business 54 near Route W and Rick's C Store in Lake Ozark.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F Public Information Office Cpl. Scott White, the call of the accident came into the Highway Patrol Troop F Headquarters at 3:08 p.m. Wednesday from the Lake Ozark Police Department, who were also on the scene.
White also said one of the eight vehicles involved caught fire, and the two fatalities were both in the same vehicle.
Next of kin have not been notified. Once all next of kin have been notified, White said the Highway Patrol will release additional details of the traffic crash report from this accident.
For about an hour and a half, traffic along westbound Highway 54 was redirected through Lake Ozark at Meads Flats and using Route W and Business 54 over Bagnell Dam. At about 5:30 p.m., one lane of traffic was opened on westbound 54. Eastbound traffic on 54 was open.
White said the Highway Patrol Major Crash Investigation Unit gathered information about the accident.
The Highway Patrol, Lake Ozark Fire Department, Lake Ozark Police Department, Lake Ozark Ambulance and Miller County Sheriff's Office were among law enforcement and emergency personnel who assisted with this incident.