Dunnegan, MO (May 23, 2025) – Emergency responders from Polk County rushed to the scene of a two-vehicle collision that left multiple people injured late Thursday morning. The crash occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m. on May 22 at the intersection of US Highway 123 and 330th Rd, about two miles north of Dunnegan.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, a 2017 Ford F-150 was traveling eastbound on 330th Rd when it failed to stop at a posted stop sign. The vehicle entered the intersection and struck a southbound 2020 Toyota RAV4 on US 123. The collision caused total damage to both vehicles, which were later removed from the scene by Mike’s Towing and B & B Towing, respectively.
First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. The driver of the Ford, a 27-year-old man from Humansville, MO, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Citizen’s Memorial Hospital in Bolivar for further treatment. Two Springfield residents inside the Toyota RAV4—a 70-year-old male driver and a 73-year-old female passenger—also suffered moderate injuries and were taken to the same hospital for care.
Officials confirmed that the man driving the Ford was not wearing a safety device at the time of the collision. In contrast, both occupants of the Toyota had safety belts engaged, which may have helped reduce the severity of their injuries. The incident remains under active investigation by Troop D of the Missouri State Highway Patrol as authorities work to determine all contributing factors.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this accident. We wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.
Intersection Collisions in Missouri
Intersections like the one at US 123 and 330th Rd in rural areas of Missouri pose heightened risks due to limited visibility, high speeds on main highways, and inconsistent compliance with traffic control devices. Crashes at these locations often result in serious consequences, particularly when one vehicle fails to yield or stop, as seen in Thursday’s incident.
Failure to stop at posted signage continues to be a common contributing factor in many rural accidents. In this case, the 27-year-old driver’s failure to observe the stop sign was a key element in the crash, highlighting the need for improved driver awareness and potential enhancements to intersection visibility or signage.
Data from the Missouri Department of Transportation suggests that while rural intersections account for fewer total crashes compared to urban settings, the severity of injuries is often greater. This stems from higher speed limits and slower emergency response times due to distance.
Both the Ford and Toyota were involved in sustained total damage, underscoring the force of impact. It is also notable that while the driver of the Ford was unrestrained, the occupants of the Toyota were belted, offering a stark reminder of how critical seat belt usage is in minimizing injury severity.
This incident also brings attention to the medical response and hospital access in Polk County. The prompt transport of all injured parties to Citizen’s Memorial Hospital in Bolivar shows the effectiveness of regional emergency protocols, but also highlights the ongoing need for investment in EMS coverage in rural parts of Missouri.
If you or someone you know is affected by a serious crash in Missouri, understanding your options for support—medical, legal, and emotional—is essential.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident like this, Local Accident Reports is here to support you. Our team provides timely, detailed crash summaries and connects victims with the resources they need. Need help navigating recovery or understanding your rights? We’re ready to listen. Reach out today and let us be your trusted guide to the next step.
