Laclede County, MO (August 9, 2026) – Four people were injured in a three-vehicle crash at Highway 5 and Hazel Road on Friday, August 7. The collision occurred at about 2:50 p.m., according to officials.
According to preliminary reports, a 53-year-old woman was attempting to make a left turn in a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder when a northbound 2004 Toyota Camry struck it from behind. The impact pushed the Pathfinder into the southbound lane, where it struck a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.
The Pathfinder driver suffered minor injuries. The 28-year-old Camry driver suffered serious injuries. The Equinox driver, a 24-year-old woman, and a 4-year-old boy riding in the vehicle also suffered minor injuries. All four injured people were taken to hospitals for treatment.
The Camry driver was transported to Mercy Springfield, while the other three were taken to Mercy Lebanon. The crash remains under investigation.
We are thinking of everyone injured and wishing them strength during their recovery.
What Can Happen in a Rear-End Chain-Reaction Crash?
A rear-end impact can push a vehicle into another lane or toward nearby traffic, creating a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles. The direction of travel, speed, turning movements, and spacing between vehicles can affect how a crash develops.
Vehicle damage may help show where the initial impact occurred and how the vehicles moved afterward. Roadway layout and traffic conditions can also provide useful context. Medical evaluations help document injuries and determine the level of care needed after a collision.
