Patrol: Two Drivers Killed in Wrong-way Crash Near Joplin

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says two people died in a collision near Joplin that occurred when one of the drivers was going the wrong way on the interstate.

The patrol says 58-year-old Janet Edwards, of Sarcoxie, and 91-year-old Andrew Wilson, of Neosho, died in the crash Tuesday night before 10:30 on Interstate 44, three miles east of Fidelity, Mo., in Jasper County.

Investigators said Edwards was driving west on the interstate in a red 2010 Chevy HHR, when she was hit head-on by a white 2015 Chevy Malibu, driven by Wilson, who was driving east in the westbound lanes.

According to published reports, numerous calls were received by Jasper County 911 concerning a wong-way driver who entered I-44 at the Tara Motel, located at the 15-mile marker. Wilson traveled approximately seven miles before the fatal incident occurred near mile marker 22.

Both drivers died at the scene. They were pronounced dead at 10:36 p.m. by Jasper County Coroner Rob Chappel. Both were wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash, according to the report. Both vehicles were totaled.

Both bodies were transported to Jasper County Mortuary.

The MSHP, Jasper County Deputies, as well as Sarcoxie Police and Fire, responded to the scene.