UPDATE: 'Serious' Injuries in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Hwy 40

At 6:30 p.m. Monday, crews were clearing the scene of what MoDOT reported as a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 40.

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The crash happened on eastbound 40, just west of Interstate 270 aroun 4:45 p.m.

Town and Country police responded to the scene and tell Patch it was "serious" and there were injuries.

Captain Gary Hoelzer tells the seriously injured person was taken to the hospital by West County EMS and Fire ambulance.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) is investigating the accident and reports three vehicles were involved.

According to the (MSHP) accident report, John Hardie, 74, of Wildwood, was seriously injured in the accident. Hardie was driving eastbound on I-64 near Mason Road at around 4:45 p.m. on Monday when he slowed for traffic. An SUV driving in the same direction behind him failed to slow and rear-ended Hardie's car, causing Hardie to rotate 90 degrees and then hit a semi-truck. 

The driver of the SUV—a 32-year-old female from St. Louis—drove off the roadway and struck the concrete barrier in the center of the highway. She sustained minor injuries. 

Both drivers injured in the accident were wearing seat belts. 

Hardie was taken to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. 

MoDOT reported at least one right lane was closed at the time of the crash.

At 6:30 p.m., traffic was backed up in both directions of Highway 40. On eastbound 40, it was backed up to Route 141.