One person killed, driver critically injured, after a SUV leaves the U.S. 40 roadway and overturns near Independence.

Police are investigating the cause of an early morning crash that killed the passenger and left the driver with life threatening injuries.

The one-car accident happened on westbound US 40 at Fairview in Independence, Mo.

According to the Independence Police Department, the Chevrolet Trailblazer was headed westbound on US 40 when it left the road and overturned. The passenger of the vehicle was ejected. That person was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was extricated from the vehicle and was taken to an area hospital with life threatening injuries.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.