DeKalb, MO (March 26, 2026) – A passenger died, and a driver suffered serious injuries after a crash on Thursday morning on MO-116 about two miles southwest of DeKalb in Buchanan County.
Emergency units responded to the scene around 7:36 a.m. after reports of a collision involving a pickup truck and a farm vehicle towing equipment. According to the report, a 2016 Toyota Tundra was traveling eastbound on MO-116 when it crossed the centerline and struck an implement being towed by a westbound 2011 John Deere vehicle.
After the impact, the Toyota left the south side of the roadway and struck a creek bed. The pickup came to rest on its wheels facing east, while the John Deere vehicle stopped in a nearby field entrance.
A 63-year-old man from St. Joseph who was riding as a passenger in the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene. The 66-year-old driver from DeKalb suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital in St. Joseph for treatment.
The 26-year-old driver of the John Deere vehicle from Dearborn was not reported injured.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our condolences go out to the victim’s loved ones.
Why Rural Roadway Crashes Often Involve Farm Equipment
Crashes on rural highways sometimes involve farm equipment sharing the roadway with passenger vehicles. Agricultural vehicles are common in farming areas and may travel at lower speeds while towing large implements.
These machines can be wider than standard vehicles and may extend into adjacent lanes or take up more space on narrow roads. Drivers approaching farm equipment must often adjust their speed and position to pass safely.
Two-lane rural roads also offer limited maneuvering space. If a vehicle crosses the center line or drifts out of its lane, it can quickly lead to a collision with oncoming traffic or with towed equipment.
Visibility may also affect safety in these areas. Curves, hills, and roadside vegetation can make it harder for drivers to see approaching vehicles or slow-moving equipment until they are closer to the roadway.
