Bolivar, MO (August 18, 2025) – A single-vehicle crash southwest of Bolivar sent four women to the hospital Saturday evening after their vehicle went airborne and overturned. The incident occurred around 7:43 p.m. on August 16 along Route T near Route WW, approximately five miles southwest of Bolivar in Polk County.
Emergency crews from CMH Ambulance and local responders arrived at the scene to find a 2016 Ford Edge with severe damage after it left the roadway. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the vehicle was traveling northbound on Rte T when the driver, a 20-year-old woman from Bolivar, failed to navigate a curve. The SUV veered off the left side of the road, striking a road sign and a ditch before becoming airborne.
All four occupants of the vehicle were injured. The driver and two other 20-year-old women from Bolivar sustained minor injuries, while an 18-year-old passenger from Pleasant Hope was also treated for minor injuries. The most seriously injured was a 19-year-old woman from Bolivar who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash; she sustained moderate injuries and was transported by CMH Ambulance to CMH Hospital.
The Ford Edge was totaled in the crash and towed from the scene by Wade’s Towing. Troopers confirmed that speed and road curvature were contributing factors. Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the wreck.
We send our sincere well wishes to all four individuals as they recover from this frightening crash.
Single-Vehicle Crashes in Missouri
Single-vehicle accidents—like the one reported on Route T in Polk County—are more common than many realize and often result from loss of control on curves, inclement conditions, or inattention. In this case, the SUV failed to negotiate a curve, leading to a high-speed off-road trajectory that ended with the vehicle going airborne. These scenarios pose significant injury risks, especially when passengers are unrestrained.
Missouri’s rural roads, such as those outside Bolivar, are known for sharp turns, narrow shoulders, and reduced lighting conditions, all of which demand heightened caution—particularly for younger drivers. The 20-year-old driver in this case was navigating a known curved section of Route T, and failure to adjust speed or steering accordingly may have led to the loss of control.
The force of the impact and the subsequent airborne movement highlight the severity of this crash. That all four occupants required hospital transport underscores how quickly such incidents can escalate. The 19-year-old passenger’s moderate injuries were compounded by the absence of a seatbelt, reinforcing the vital importance of restraint use, especially in vehicles prone to rollover when stability is compromised.
Single-vehicle crashes can be physically and emotionally traumatic for those involved, with potential long-term consequences even when injuries are classified as minor. Recovery often involves more than medical treatment—there are insurance claims, vehicle loss, emotional distress, and possible legal considerations for the driver.
For victims of single-vehicle incidents, especially those involving youth or passengers injured due to lack of safety restraints, resources and guidance can be crucial in navigating recovery.
At Local Accident Reports, we’re here to support victims of serious crashes throughout Missouri. Whether you’re dealing with hospital stays, insurance issues, or simply need help understanding your next steps, we’ll connect you with trusted support so you don’t face this alone. Reach out today to get the information and help you need.
