Man killed in weekend O'Fallon, Missouri crash on Highway 40 identified

KSDK -- A 20-year-old killed in a head-on crash with a tractor trailer early Saturday morning was under the influence of alcohol according to police.  He was identified as Kyle Lauders of O'Fallon, Missouri.

Investigators said that around 3:00 a.m., Lauders was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 40.  He collided with the tractor trailer near Barat Haven in O'Fallon.   A large explosion followed.  The truck was destroyed by fire.

Lauders, who was driving a 2000 Infiniti passenger vehicle, was transported to St. John's Hospital in serious condition.  He died roughly 12 hours after the crash from his injuries.

Because of the size of the crash, the interstate had to be shut down.

The driver of the semi was 48-year-old Danny Lanier of Kansas City, Missouri.  He survived the crash.

Photo gallery of the crash on Highway 40 in O'Fallon

Police said they are still gathering witness statements to determine where Lauders had been leading up to the crash and who provided him the alcohol.