KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two people were killed in a fatal crash on northbound Interstate 435, which authorities say is linked to a series of armed robberies that occurred overnight. The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department reported that the collision occurred following a string of armed robberies, resulting in the closure of I-435 at 210 Highway for several hours.

According to police, the incidents began with an armed robbery at a convenience store at 9901 NE Barry Road at 2:34 a.m. Another robbery was reported at a gas station at 5401 NW 64th Street around 3:25 a.m., and a third incident occurred at a convenience store near 8801 Birmingham Road at 4:13 a.m. Authorities were able to identify a potential suspect and vehicle connected to all three robberies.

After locating the vehicle, a pursuit ensued, leading the suspect to drive the wrong way on I-435 and eventually causing a fatal collision near 210 Highway. The victims’ identities have not yet been disclosed, and the police department stated that the investigation is ongoing.

The deadly collision prompted the closure of I-435 for nearly five hours, causing significant traffic delays. As of 9:48 a.m., all lanes of I-435 were reopened to drivers, but the investigation into the incident continues.

The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is urging anyone with information about the armed robberies or the fatal crash to come forward. The department has not released any further details about the suspect or the ongoing investigation at this time.