After being hospitalized and later released, a Springfield driver died last week of injuries sustained in what is now the city’s 16th fatal motor vehicle accident this year.
According to a Springfield Police Department news release, Michael Zapatka, 69, was involved in a three-vehicle crash about 3:47 p.m. Sept. 2 at Sunshine and West Bypass.
Police said Zapatka was driving a Ford Ranger in the inner-most left-hand turn lane on West Bypass, waiting to turn east onto Sunshine when Cody Smith, 28, drove through a red light traveling west on Sunshine in a Mitsubishi Endeavor. Smith struck Zapatka’s truck, then the two cars collided into a Buick Park Avenue driven by Dominic Herron, 34.
Zapatka was taken to a local hospital and later released, but died of his injuries at home Sept. 5, according to the release. SPD Spokesperson Cris Swaters said the other drivers were not injured.
More: Citizens, city staff voice concerns regarding Springfield traffic issues
The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation.