Callaway County, MO (March 11, 2026) – A man was injured on Tuesday morning after a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in Callaway County.
The crash occurred around the 153-mile marker on the eastbound lanes on March 10. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 16-year-old driver from Liberty fell asleep at the wheel while operating a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The vehicle crossed the median and overturned in the westbound lanes.
A 40-year-old male passenger from Liberty suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to University Hospital. Both occupants were wearing seatbelts, and the Hyundai was totaled.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
Our thoughts are with the injured as they receive medical care.
How Driver Fatigue Contributes to Crashes
Falling asleep at the wheel is a major cause of single-vehicle crashes, particularly on long stretches of highway. Even momentary lapses in attention can cause vehicles to leave their lane, cross medians, or overturn.
Wearing seatbelts helps reduce the risk of serious injury, but rollover crashes still pose a significant danger. Emergency responders often have to work quickly to extract passengers from overturned vehicles and provide medical care for injuries such as broken bones, internal trauma, or concussions.
Investigators examine road conditions, vehicle damage, and driver behavior to determine the cause and help prevent similar accidents in the future.
