A routine Wednesday morning commute turned into a scene of chaos and concern this week when a Metro Call-A-Ride bus overturned on a major North St. Louis County artery. The accident, which occurred during the early morning hours of December 17, 2025, sent at least two people to the hospital and raised fresh questions about the safety of paratransit services on high-speed interstates.
The Impact: What Happened at Jennings Station Road?
The collision took place at approximately 5:45 a.m. on the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 at the Jennings Station Road exit. According to reports from the St. Louis County Police and Bi-State Development, the Metro Call-A-Ride van was struck by another vehicle. The force of the impact was severe enough to cause the specialized transport bus to lose stability and roll over.
At the time of the crash, three passengers were on board. While the bus driver reportedly escaped without injury, the passengers were not as fortunate. Rescue crews arrived to find the overturned vehicle, leading to a temporary closure of the westbound ramp as paramedics stabilized the victims.
- Injury Count: At least two passengers were transported to local hospitals.
- Service Status: Metro officials confirmed that while this specific incident was devastating, wider MetroLink and MetroBus operations remained on schedule.
- Traffic Disruption: The exit ramp from westbound I-70 to Jennings Station Road was shuttered for nearly an hour as investigators cleared the debris.
Why Paratransit Rollovers Are Particularly Dangerous
Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of collisions, especially for vehicles like the Metro Call-A-Ride vans. Unlike standard passenger cars, these vans have a higher center of gravity, making them significantly more susceptible to tipping when struck from the side or when forced into sudden maneuvers.
For paratransit passengers—many of whom utilize the service because of existing disabilities or mobility challenges—the risks are even higher.
- Limited Restraint Systems: While paratransit vans are equipped with wheelchair lockdowns, they often lack the comprehensive side-curtain airbags found in modern sedans.
- Vulnerability: Passengers may have fragile health conditions that make even a minor “fender bender” a life-threatening event.
- The “Crush” Factor: When a vehicle rolls, the roof integrity is put to the test. In many transit-style vans, the structural reinforcements are not as robust as those in school buses.
The Legal Road Ahead: Rights of the Injured
In the wake of such a “startling” event, the focus naturally shifts to accountability. Under Missouri law, Metro Transit (operated by Bi-State Development) is considered a “Common Carrier.” > “Common carriers owe their passengers the ‘highest degree of care.’ This is a much stricter legal standard than the ‘reasonable care’ expected of a typical driver.”
If you or a loved one were involved in this or a similar crash, there are several critical factors to consider:
- The 90-Day Rule: Because Metro is a quasi-governmental agency, injury claims often require a formal “Notice of Claim” to be filed within a very short window—sometimes as little as 90 days. Missing this deadline can permanently bar a victim from seeking compensation.
- Comparative Fault: Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. Even if the other driver hit the bus, investigators will look at whether the bus driver’s speed or reaction time contributed to the rollover.
- Documenting the Damages: Beyond immediate medical bills, victims of spinal or head trauma from a rollover may require long-term physical therapy, home modifications, and compensation for lost wages.
Safety in North County: A Growing Concern?
The intersection of I-70 and Jennings Station Road has seen its share of incidents recently. Only weeks ago, a multi-vehicle pileup in the same area forced a total closure of the interstate. As St. Louis County continues to grapple with high speeds and heavy morning congestion, the safety of our most vulnerable commuters—those relying on paratransit—must remain a top priority.
Authorities are still investigating the specific sequence of events that led to the bus being struck. As of now, no charges have been filed against either driver, but the investigation remains active.
Would you like me to help you draft a letter of intent or a “Notice of Claim” to the transit authority for an accident involving a public vehicle?
3 injured in Metro Call-A-Ride rollover crash This video provides on-scene footage and local news reporting from the morning of the crash, offering a visual perspective of the vehicle’s position after the rollover.