Barry County, MO (April 21, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a serious multi-vehicle collision along US Highway 60, roughly three miles west of Monett, on Saturday evening, April 19. The crash involved three vehicles and left one individual hospitalized after a chain-reaction collision prompted by a failure to yield.
First responders, including Barry-Lawrence Ambulance personnel, assisted those injured in the wreck, which occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. According to Trooper J.T. Martin of Troop D with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the incident unfolded when a 2010 Honda Odyssey, driven by a 27-year-old woman from Joplin, failed to yield to an eastbound 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. After the initial failure to yield, the Honda continued into the path of a westbound 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, triggering a secondary impact.
All three vehicles sustained extensive damage and were towed from the scene by Thomas Towing of Monett. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, operated by a 19-year-old male from Neosho, had a 46-year-old female occupant who sustained minor injuries. She was transported to Cox Health Hospital in Monett by Barry-Lawrence Ambulance District for treatment.
No other injuries were reported at the time of the incident, though the collision remains under investigation as officials work to determine any further contributing factors.
Our thoughts are with the injured passenger and all parties involved, and we extend our hopes for a complete recovery.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes in Missouri
Crashes involving multiple vehicles, such as this one on US Hwy 60 west of Monett, serve as critical reminders of the consequences that can stem from a simple failure to yield. While this particular stretch of highway is familiar to many local drivers, it also presents risks due to its multiple access points, varying speeds, and potential for misjudged merges or turns.
In this incident, a northbound vehicle reportedly entered traffic improperly and disrupted the flow of both eastbound and westbound drivers, causing a domino effect. Multi-vehicle collisions of this nature are not uncommon in Missouri, where many rural highways combine high-speed traffic with limited visibility or merging space. The result can be devastating, with all parties often suffering significant damage or injury, as seen here with all three vehicles towed and one person hospitalized.
For Missouri drivers, this emphasizes the importance of ensuring proper clearance and awareness before turning or crossing oncoming traffic lanes — particularly on highways where vehicles are traveling at elevated speeds. A momentary lapse or assumption about oncoming traffic can have far-reaching consequences.
The rapid response by Barry-Lawrence Ambulance District and local tow crews helped mitigate further risks on the roadway. This kind of multi-agency cooperation is crucial in rural counties where emergency resources must be dispatched quickly to remote locations.
If you've been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, it's essential to gather clear documentation and seek prompt medical evaluation, even for seemingly minor injuries. Often, symptoms may emerge or worsen in the hours following a crash. Legal and insurance guidance may also be necessary to address liability and recovery options in these complex scenarios.
At Local Accident Reports, our mission is to keep communities informed and help victims access the help they need after traumatic events like this one on Highway 60.
One wrong turn can change everything — but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, Local Accident Reports can help you take the next steps toward recovery. Get trusted support and guidance when it matters most. Reach out today.