Phelps Co, MO (January 13, 2026) – A collision between two commercial trucks on Interstate 44 on Monday morning resulted in injuries and significant vehicle damage near the 189 mile-marker westbound.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, the crash occurred at approximately 10:04 a.m. when a 2021 Freightliner driven by a 28-year-old man from Fresno, CA, veered off the right side of the roadway and crashed into the rear of a 2019 International truck that was stopped on the shoulder. Both vehicles were heading westbound at the time.
The driver of the stationary truck, a 26-year-old man from St. James, sustained injuries in the impact. He was wearing a seatbelt and was transported to Phelps Health by local EMS for evaluation. The Freightliner driver was reportedly uninjured. D&D Towing and Big Boys Towing removed the heavily damaged trucks from the scene.
Cpl. C.M. Barclay of Troop I handled the investigation, with early findings indicating driver inattention or road departure as possible contributing factors. The right shoulder of the highway was closed temporarily while crews cleared the scene.
We wish the injured driver a smooth and swift recovery following this incident.
