Two adolescents were killed after a driver followed by Iowa police for stealing a baby in Nebraska crashed in Missouri, according to police.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office stated it got a report from a lady at Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa, who had been assaulted by a male friend.
The woman told authorities that the man, who was “suicidal and homicidal,” kidnapped her and her child in Nebraska, drove into Iowa, dropped her off at the hospital, and then left with the infant.
The Iowa State Patrol launched a vehicle pursuit of the individual, who was driving at high speeds and attempting to collide with troopers, and followed him across the state line into Missouri on Interstate 29’s southbound lanes.
The man, driving a Kia Sorento, collided with a 2013 Ford Focus in the northbound left lane. After being hit, the Ford passed a 2024 Volvo semi-truck, which swerved to escape the accident and collided with a 2023 Chevy Tahoe Fremont County patrol vehicle, according to the statement.
Two 18-year-olds in the Ford Focus were pronounced deceased.
The Kia, which was carrying a 1-year-old baby, caught fire as a result of the crash.
A Fremont County deputy rescued the infant from the flaming truck, and the baby was evacuated to an Omaha hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The man perished in the collision.
Randy Pogue, mayor of Kearney, Missouri, used social media to express his sympathies to the families of the two teens deceased.
“In times of sadness, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Cunningham and Yeates families. The deaths of two Kearney Bulldogs in a road accident yesterday up north have shook our community. May strength and hope be the constant companions of both families, friends, and those who mourn. “Praying for all of you,” Pogue added.
The deputy hit by the semi was treated for minor injuries and released.
The Missouri State Patrol is investigating the collision.
