Harrison Co, MO (January 14, 2026) – A Tuesday evening collision involving a passenger car and a semi-truck sent a teenage driver to the hospital following a crash on southbound I-35, about one mile south of Bethany.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H, the crash occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. as both vehicles were traveling south. A 16-year-old female from Coffey was behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Impala when she approached a 2000 Kenworth semi-truck from behind. In an attempt to avoid a rear-end collision, the teen changed lanes but overcorrected, causing her vehicle to strike the driver’s side of the semi.
The force of the impact sent the Impala off the east side of the roadway, where it came to rest upright, facing northeast. The Kenworth was able to come to a controlled stop along the shoulder and sustained only minor damage.
Emergency medical services from North Missouri EMS responded to the scene and transported the teen to Harrison County Community Hospital with moderate injuries. The driver of the semi, a 71-year-old man from Ottumwa, IA, was unharmed and remained at the scene.
The Impala was heavily damaged and towed by Schroff’s Towing. Local law enforcement, including the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and Bethany Police Department, assisted with scene control and investigation.
We wish the young driver a full and speedy recovery as she receives care following this serious highway crash.
