St. Charles, MO (January 23, 2026) – A serious multi-vehicle accident on Thursday evening along southbound Highway 79, just north of Vomund Rd, resulted in injuries to two women, one of whom required airlift transport due to the severity of her condition.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the crash occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. and involved three vehicles: a 1996 Ford Ranger, a 2021 Toyota RAV4, and a 2023 Jeep Gladiator. The collision began when the northbound Ford Ranger, operated by a 55-year-old woman from Winfield, crossed over the center line and clipped the towed unit of the southbound Jeep. The Ranger briefly returned to the northbound lane before swerving again into oncoming traffic, where it was then struck on the passenger side by the Toyota RAV4.
Emergency medical crews from the St. Charles County Ambulance District responded to the scene, along with air support from ARCH for critical transport. The 55-year-old driver of the Ranger, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Mercy Hospital St. Louis. The 24-year-old RAV4 driver, also from Winfield, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ground ambulance to the same facility. The driver of the Jeep did not report injuries.
All three vehicles were towed from the scene by Superior Towing due to varying levels of damage. Trooper T.O. Murphy led the investigation, assisted by MSGT J.M. VanMeter and TPR D.J. Bittick.
Authorities continue to examine the factors that led to the Ford Ranger crossing into opposing lanes. Our thoughts are with the injured parties, and we wish them strength and healing in their recovery.
