Lincoln County, MO (June 23, 2026) – Five people were hurt on Sunday afternoon, June 21, after a two-vehicle collision on northbound U.S. 61 at Crossroads Boulevard. The accident happened at 4:10 p.m. in Lincoln County.
According to the report, a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox driven by a 78-year-old Troy man was traveling north. A 2005 Dodge Dakota driven by a 65-year-old St. Peters man was behind it in an adjacent lane.
The Equinox braked and steered right to exit. The Dodge then struck the rear of the Chevrolet.
A 10-year-old boy in the Equinox was seriously injured and taken to the Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. A 72-year-old woman and the 78-year-old driver also had serious injuries and were taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.
The Dodge driver and a 63-year-old woman in that vehicle had minor injuries. Both were taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis.
The wreck remains under review as investigators work to confirm the full sequence of events. We hope everyone hurt receives steady care and continues to recover.
Why Rear-End Crashes Near Exits Can Injure Several People
Rear-end crashes near exits can happen quickly when traffic slows or shifts lanes. A driver preparing to leave the highway may brake, move right, or adjust speed while nearby vehicles continue forward. These changes can leave little time for others to react.
Several people may be injured when both vehicles are carrying passengers. Seatbelts can reduce harm, but serious injuries can still occur when one vehicle is hit from behind and pushed forward.
Exit areas can also create added risk because drivers may be watching signs, merging traffic, or nearby lanes. After a serious roadway accident, reports often review vehicle direction, lane movement, braking, and the seating positions of each person.
