Two people are killed while walking on I-70 in Independence

Two pedestrians were killed late Wednesday when they were struck by vehicles, including an Independence patrol car, along Interstate 70 in Independence.

The victims were walking west on the interstate near Missouri 291 at 11:45 p.m. when they were hit, Independence Officer Tom Gentry said. Their names were not released pending notification of relatives.

The officer driving the patrol car was eastbound on I-70 when he saw a disabled vehicle with its emergency lights activated. The officer exited at U.S. 291, turned around and was driving west on I-70 when his car struck one of the victims.

A witness told police that a semitrailer struck the other victim.

The pedestrians died at the scene. No other injuries were reported, Gentry said.

The officer’s name was not released.

This story was originally published November 6, 2014 at 4:48 PM with the headline "Two people are killed while walking on I-70 in Independence."