Ava, MO (June 2, 2025) – A serious multi-vehicle collision on Missouri Route 5 in Douglas County sent one woman to the hospital and caused extensive vehicle damage Friday afternoon. The crash, which involved five vehicles, occurred around 4:20 p.m. approximately five miles north of Ava, prompting a major emergency response.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident began when northbound traffic slowed or stopped to allow a vehicle to make a left turn. A Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 34-year-old man from Squires, failed to slow in time and struck the rear of a Jeep Patriot. The impact set off a chain reaction, pushing the Jeep into the back of a RAM 2500, while the Silverado continued on to strike a Chevrolet HHR.
The Jeep Patriot, driven by a 37-year-old woman from Ava, sustained heavy rear-end damage and veered off the roadway after impact. She was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious injuries. Emergency responders transported her by ambulance to Cox Hospital in Springfield for urgent medical care.
A fifth vehicle, a GMC Canyon traveling southbound, left the roadway and struck a tree in an attempt to avoid the crash scene. Most of the involved vehicles were towed by Ed’s Towing at the county’s request, while the RAM 2500 was driven away.
Multiple units from Douglas County and Troop G assisted at the scene. Our thoughts are with the seriously injured woman, and we wish her a full and smooth recovery.
Chain-Reaction Crashes on Rural Missouri Highways
Friday’s five-vehicle crash on MO-5 near Ava reveals the unique dangers of chain-reaction collisions, particularly on rural highways where left-turning traffic and limited visibility can catch drivers off guard. In this instance, the failure of a single vehicle to slow down in time led to a cascading series of impacts and one serious injury.
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in Missouri and can be especially dangerous when they occur in high-speed areas with stopped or slowing traffic. When following distances are too short or drivers are distracted, the risk of multi-vehicle pileups increases dramatically. That risk multiplies when heavy vehicles like pickup trucks are involved, given their extended braking distances and increased force on impact.
This crash also underscores the importance of seatbelt use. The seriously injured driver of the Jeep Patriot was not wearing a safety device, a factor that may have worsened the severity of her injuries. Missouri law enforcement consistently emphasizes the life-saving value of seatbelt use for all drivers and passengers, regardless of vehicle type or trip length.
Rural intersections and highway turnoffs like those on MO-5 require drivers to remain highly attentive and prepared for sudden stops. Even a routine turn can create a hazardous scenario if drivers behind fail to notice traffic slowing or stopping ahead.
At Local Accident Reports, we provide ongoing support to those affected by serious multi-vehicle accidents. Whether you’re managing medical recovery or seeking clarity on insurance and legal rights, our team is here to help you take the next step forward. If you or a loved one was hurt in a chain-reaction crash in Missouri, don’t navigate it alone—reach out today.
