By AP/KWMU
Troy, Mo. – A minivan crossed into the path of a tanker truck Tuesday in Lincoln County, claiming the lives of three children, and critically injuring a mother and her son. The truck driver was not hurt.
Missouri Highway Patrol Sergeant Al Nothum said the minivan driver, 31-year-old Valerie Yardley of the Moscow Mills area, and her 2-year-old son, Payton, are in critical condition.
Killed were her 9-month-old daughter, Savannah Yardley, her 9-year-old nephew, Nicholas Herbert, and 5-year-old niece, Sophia Herbert.
Yardley was on an outer road and attempting to head north on Highway 61 in Lincoln County outside of Troy.
A truck already heading north on the highway struck the driver's side of the minivan. Yardley was ejected from the vehicle.