Festus, Missouri – A devastating chain-reaction crash on Interstate 55 has left three people dead and five others injured after a semi-truck slammed into stalled traffic in a construction zone. The accident occurred near Festus, shocking the community and raising urgent questions about highway safety.
Vanessa Knowles, a gospel singer from Memphis, was among the victims who tragically lost their lives. She had been traveling in a Toyota Camry when the semi-truck plowed into the line of vehicles without slowing down. The impact was catastrophic, and she died instantly at the scene.
Donnie Briggs, 65, was another victim of the violent collision. He was driving through the construction zone when the massive truck struck, causing a chain reaction across eight vehicles. His life was cut short in seconds, leaving behind family, friends, and a community grieving the sudden loss.
Darla Parris, 53, was also killed in the crash. She had been behind the wheel of a Kia when the semi-truck’s forceful impact crushed her vehicle. Emergency crews rushed to the scene but were unable to save her, marking yet another heartbreaking casualty in the tragic pileup.
Investigators reported that the truck involved was a 2022 Freightliner, operated by Richard Allen Holden. According to preliminary findings, Holden may have nodded off at the wheel. Dash cam footage revealed no signs of braking before the crash, reinforcing concerns that fatigue could have played a major role in the deadly incident.
The truck first struck the Toyota Camry carrying Knowles, igniting a ripple effect that damaged seven additional vehicles. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with mangled cars, smoke, and debris scattered across the interstate. Emergency responders worked urgently to treat the injured, transport victims to hospitals, and secure the area for investigators.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that five people suffered injuries in the crash. Some were transported with critical wounds, while others sustained less severe harm but remain deeply shaken. Officials have not yet released full details on their conditions but emphasized that the number of lives affected extends far beyond the three who died.
This tragic accident has reignited discussions about driver fatigue among truck operators and the need for stricter enforcement of rest requirements. Experts stress that even a few seconds of inattention on highways can lead to catastrophic consequences, especially in construction zones where traffic often slows or stalls.
Community members in both Missouri and Tennessee are mourning deeply, with tributes pouring in for the victims. Friends and loved ones of Knowles remember her as a voice of inspiration through gospel music. Relatives of Briggs and Parris describe them as kind, hardworking individuals whose lives were unjustly cut short. Support has been extended to all families enduring unimaginable grief.
Festus and the surrounding region will not soon forget this tragic crash on I-55. The loss of three lives, the injuries to others, and the lingering trauma for witnesses serve as a painful reminder of the dangers present on America’s highways. As the investigation continues, families and communities hold tightly to memories of their loved ones while demanding accountability and greater safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
