Pacific Driver Bumps Eureka Driver Who Bumps Union Driver on I-44

Eureka motorist Alexander Vergara, 40, and Union motorist Michael McKnight, 49, were slowing for traffic associated with the Interstate 44 construction zone when Pacific motorist Michael Bates, 22, didn't ease up the speed in time, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. The accident occurred at 6:45 a.m.

All of the drivers were heading eastbound on Interstate 44, just 0.5 mile east of Lewis Road.

Bates was driving a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. He struck the back end of Vergara's 2008 Nissan Titan, causing him to hit the rear end of McKnight's 2004 Chevrolet Suburban.

All three drivers were wearing safety belts, according to authorities.

Bates was taken by a Eureka EMS crew to St. Clare Hospital. His Tahoe was towed from the accident scene.