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Boone Co, MO (January 2, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash in Boone County late on Wednesday night sent one driver to the hospital and left both vehicles totaled. The incident occurred at approximately 10:24 p.m. on December 31, at the intersection of Rt. VV and Mauller Rd.
A 31-year-old man from Auxvasse sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to University Hospital following the collision. He was reportedly wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by a 21-year-old man from Columbia became disabled in the southbound lane of Rt VV and was stopped in the roadway with no lights on. A 2025 Kia K4, also traveling southbound, collided with the rear of the unlit vehicle. Both vehicles suffered total damage and were towed from the scene by Slate Towing.
Troopers from MSHP Troop F, including TPR. C. A. Fox and MSGT. G. T. Pemberton responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and traffic control. The driver of the disabled Chevrolet did not report injuries, while the driver of the Kia received emergency treatment due to the impact.
Our thoughts go out to the injured man and his loved ones as he begins the road to recovery.
Rear-End Collisions in Missouri
Rear-end crashes are among the most common types of accidents across Missouri, especially during nighttime hours when visibility is limited. The collision on Rt. VV in Boone County illustrates just how dangerous a disabled vehicle can become, particularly when it lacks proper hazard lights or reflective signals.
In this case, the Chevrolet Trailblazer became disabled while traveling southbound and remained in the roadway without any lights illuminated. This created a serious hazard for other drivers, including the Kia driver, who was unable to avoid the rear-end impact. Despite both drivers wearing seatbelts, the consequences were severe, highlighting how limited visibility and stalled vehicles can escalate into life-altering crashes.
Missouri law requires vehicles stopped on a roadway to display hazard signals when possible and to be moved off the road if safe to do so. Failure to do so places both the disabled driver and others at risk. Additionally, drivers approaching unlit obstacles at night have limited reaction time, especially at typical highway speeds.
These types of incidents can lead to not only physical injuries but also significant emotional and financial burdens. Medical bills, vehicle loss, and time away from work all contribute to the impact such collisions have on a victim’s life.
When crashes like this occur, swift access to medical care and legal support is crucial. It’s important that those affected understand their rights and options, particularly when another party’s vehicle is improperly stopped or unmarked.
If someone you care about has been hurt in a nighttime crash or rear-end collision, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect injured victims and their families with support resources that can aid in the recovery process. Reach out today for the guidance you need during this difficult time.
