SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- One woman has died after two cars crashed on Glenstone near the Interstate 44 (I-44) eastbound ramp.

According to the Springfield Police Department, Rita Deckard, 57, of Marshfield, drove a red 2009 Toyota Scion XB southbound on Glenstone around 3:00 Saturday afternoon. Deckard made a turn on the I44 ramp when a red 2022 Tesla Model 3 hit Dakards car. Both cars left the intersection after the crash. Deckard was pronounced dead on scene.

In the aftermath, the driver and passenger of the Tesla were taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, while officers closed part of Glenstone near I-44 after the crash.

Lieutenant Steve Schwind from the Springfield Police Department says when crashes happen, drivers must be cautious during clean-up.

“We need to ensure safety of everybody involved, and then we need to secure the scene ourselves. And then not only the scene for the first responders but everybody else who may be driving past, who sees all the lights, all the sirens, takes her attention off the road. And, you know, it’s not uncommon to have other car accidents because somebody is not paying attention to the road when they see the lights.” said Schwind.

The Springfield Police Department says Speed is believed to be a factor in the crash; however, impairment is not, and the crash is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).