Clinton, MO (January 30, 2026) – A multi-vehicle collision involving a trash truck, a van, and an SUV tragically resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries early on Thursday morning on Route PP, approximately one mile west of US-69, just northwest of Lawson.
According to investigators with Troop H, including CPL V.R. McBride and MCUI Team #1 TPR J.D. Conrad, the fatal crash occurred around 6:05 a.m. when a westbound 2015 Toyota Highlander veered into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a 2022 Freightliner trash truck. Following the initial impact, the Highlander was pushed into the path of a westbound 2017 GMC Sierra van, which struck the SUV from behind.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, the 22-year-old male driver of the Toyota Highlander, a resident of Lawson, was pronounced dead on-site by the Clinton County Coroner at 7:26 a.m. His body was transported to Frontier Forensics in Kansas City, KS. His next of kin have been notified.
The 26-year-old male driver of the GMC Sierra, also from Lawson, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Truman Medical Center in Kansas City. The 30-year-old female driver of the trash truck, a resident of Independence, and her 38-year-old male passenger from Plattsburg sustained moderate injuries. Both were transported by Holt Ambulance to Liberty Hospital for treatment.
All three vehicles sustained total damage and were towed from the scene by Scotty’s Towing of Cameron. The crash remains under investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and hope for the full recovery of those injured in this devastating collision.
