7 injured and 2 trapped in car after multiple-vehicle collision

In St. Louis, Battalion 6 officials responded to a multi-vehicle accident involving three cars, resulting in injuries to at least seven people. The St. Louis Fire Department posted about the incident on social media shortly after 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The collision occurred at the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Thrush Avenue in the Walnut Park East neighborhood. Responders were able to rescue two individuals who were trapped in a vehicle using the Jaws of Life. These individuals were in critical condition. The area where the crash took place has witnessed over 1,370 accidents between 2018 and 2022 due to factors such as heavy traffic and the lack of a center turn lane on the wide road. To address safety concerns, the city is seeking a $20 million federal grant, supplemented by local funds, for a $25 million project to upgrade a 2.3 mile stretch of West Florissant Avenue. Proposed improvements include adding a center turn lane, enhancing lighting, updating traffic signals, and implementing traffic calming measures. Construction will occur in stages if the funding is approved. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) is conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash.