Duenweg, MO (April 21, 2025) – A serious two-vehicle accident on Sunday afternoon, April 20, left a woman with significant injuries after her SUV collided with a semi-truck along MO-249 at MO-66 in Jasper County. The crash occurred just outside the town of Duenweg and required emergency transport of one individual to a local hospital.
First responders, including emergency medical services, arrived at the scene around 2:30 p.m. following reports of a collision between a 2005 Dodge Durango and a 2024 Freightliner Cascadia. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the driver of the Dodge, a 35-year-old woman from Sarcoxie, lost control of her vehicle while traveling northbound. Her SUV then collided with the Freightliner, which was also headed northbound at the time.
The impact resulted in extensive damage to the Dodge Durango, which was later towed by Chuck’s. The Freightliner sustained only minor damage and was able to be driven from the scene. The driver of the Dodge was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered serious injuries. She was transported by ambulance to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin for emergency care.
The 74-year-old truck driver from Shawnee, OK, was reportedly unharmed and remained at the scene to cooperate with the investigation. Trooper J. Drum of Troop D is overseeing the ongoing review of the incident.
Our thoughts are with the injured driver and her family during this difficult time, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.
Commercial Truck Crashes in Missouri
Collisions involving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, like this one in Duenweg, often result in severe consequences due to the size and weight disparity between the vehicles involved. When control is lost, especially on highways like MO-249 where speeds are elevated and commercial traffic is common, even a brief lapse in vehicle handling can result in devastating outcomes.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety equipment like seatbelts. In this case, the driver of the SUV was not wearing one, which may have worsened the severity of her injuries. Data from the Missouri Department of Transportation consistently shows that seatbelt usage dramatically reduces the risk of serious injury or death during a crash.
The Freightliner involved in this incident was able to avoid significant damage, underscoring the structural resilience of commercial trucks. However, the potential for catastrophic injury still exists for those in smaller vehicles, especially if control is lost at highway speeds.
Drivers on routes like MO-249 and MO-66 must remain vigilant, particularly near interchanges and construction zones where merging and turning patterns can shift unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, and fatigue can also contribute to loss-of-control incidents, which are among the top causes of single- and multi-vehicle collisions across Missouri highways.
Emergency crews acted swiftly in this case, getting the injured driver to care at Freeman West Hospital and clearing the roadway to prevent further accidents. Their response illustrates the vital role of trained local responders in managing serious crashes.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a collision involving a commercial vehicle, it’s essential to seek medical treatment and understand your legal rights. Recovering from such an accident involves not only physical healing but also navigating insurance claims and potential long-term effects.
At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to keeping communities informed and connecting crash victims with trusted support systems during recovery.
When serious injuries occur, every second counts — both in emergency care and in securing the help you need to rebuild. Let Local Accident Reports guide you with trusted resources and caring support. Connect with us today to explore your recovery options.
