Greene County, MO (August 21, 2025) – A serious crash involving a passenger vehicle and a tow truck occurred Wednesday afternoon on Route CC, approximately five miles south of Brighton. The incident, reported at 4:20 p.m., left three people injured—one seriously—and prompted an emergency airlift response.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2020 Lincoln Corsair was traveling westbound on Route CC when it veered off the roadway and struck the rear of a 2016 Freightliner tow truck. The front-end impact caused the Lincoln to catch fire following the collision. Both vehicles sustained total damage and were towed by Henry’s Towing of Brookline.
The driver of the Lincoln, a 31-year-old woman from Buffalo, MO, was not wearing a seat belt and suffered serious injuries. She was flown by air ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Two additional occupants in the Lincoln—a 22-year-old woman from Rogersville and a 27-year-old man from Pleasant Hope—also sustained moderate injuries and were transported by ground ambulance to Cox South Hospital.
The identity and condition of the Freightliner tow truck operator remain unknown at this time, and the crash is still under investigation.
We extend our thoughts to the injured victims and hope for their full and swift recovery.
Off-Road Collisions and Vehicle Fires on Rural Missouri Roads
This crash on Route CC near Brighton is a striking reminder of the dangers that rural highways pose when drivers lose control or drift from the roadway. In this incident, a westbound vehicle left its lane, rear-ended a stationary or slow-moving tow truck, and subsequently caught fire—a scenario that could easily have led to fatalities.
Rear-end crashes involving large vehicles like tow trucks often result in severe injuries for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. The added risk of fire, combined with the fact that none of the Lincoln’s occupants were wearing seat belts, intensified the consequences of this collision. Vehicle fires post-impact typically indicate damage to fuel systems or electrical components, which can spread rapidly and pose additional danger to occupants and rescuers.
The deployment of air medical transport for the most severely injured victim further highlights the urgency and severity of the situation. Injured individuals in these crashes often face extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery—both physically and financially.
Rural roadways often lack barriers, lighting, and shoulder room, which can increase the chances of serious outcomes when a driver veers off course. Contributing factors can include distraction, speed, fatigue, or mechanical failure, all of which are now under review in this case.
At Local Accident Reports, we are committed to supporting victims of severe collisions like the one on Route CC. If you or someone you love has been injured in a rural highway crash involving multiple victims, fire, or serious injury, reach out today. We provide the resources and guidance you need to navigate the road ahead.
