Laclede, MO (March 23, 2026) – A man lost his life following a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of US Hwy 36 and MO Hwy 5 in Linn County.
The accident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on Monday, March 23. Reports show a 67-year-old man from Purdin was driving south on MO Hwy 5 when his SUV entered the path of a westbound SUV. A 32-year-old man from Brookfield drove the second vehicle.
The westbound SUV struck the side of the southbound vehicle, causing a T-bone collision. Both vehicles came to rest in the median after the impact.
Emergency units responded to the scene and transported the Purdin driver to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield. Despite medical care, he later died from his injuries. The other driver was reported to have minor injuries.
Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Intersection Crashes Like This Happen on Rural Highways
Crashes at highway intersections often occur when one vehicle fails to yield before crossing or turning onto another road. These areas can be especially risky when traffic moves at higher speeds, leaving little time to react.
In many cases, limited visibility or early morning conditions may affect a driver’s ability to judge distance and timing. Even a small miscalculation can lead to a serious side-impact crash.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of severe injury, but the force from a side collision can still be significant. The position of impact often exposes drivers and passengers to greater risk compared to other types of crashes.
