Jasper Co, MO (September 21, 2025) – A serious crash involving a pickup truck and a semi-truck left one driver critically injured Friday morning in Jasper County. The collision happened at approximately 7:55 a.m. on MO-96, about 1.5 miles east of Carthage.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2021 Freightliner Cascadia driven by a 58-year-old woman from La Russell was stopped in traffic, waiting to make a left turn. An eastbound 2017 Ford F-150, driven by an 18-year-old Carthage man, attempted to avoid striking the Freightliner by partially traveling off the roadway. Despite this maneuver, the Ford collided with the towed unit of the semi.
The impact caused total damage to the pickup, which was removed by Bert’s Wrecker. The young driver sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by Cox Air Care to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for emergency treatment. The driver of the semi-truck was unhurt and was able to drive her vehicle away from the scene.
Traffic in the area was slowed while crews worked to assist the injured driver and clear the roadway. The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
Our thoughts are with the injured driver and his family during this difficult time, and we wish him a full recovery.
Truck Accidents in Missouri
Crashes involving large commercial trucks and smaller passenger vehicles, such as the one that occurred on MO-96 east of Carthage, often result in serious injuries. In this case, a young driver in a Ford F-150 collided with the towed unit of a semi-truck that was stopped in traffic. The sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles make even partial impacts particularly dangerous for those in smaller vehicles.
Missouri has a significant amount of truck traffic due to its location as a central freight corridor in the U.S. Highways like MO-96 frequently carry both local and long-haul trucking, increasing the risk of collisions. Factors such as sudden stops, blind spots, and wide turns all contribute to crashes involving semis. For young or inexperienced drivers, these risks are even greater, as reaction time and decision-making can play a crucial role in avoiding accidents.
For residents of Carthage and Jasper County, Friday’s crash is a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe following distances and anticipating the actions of larger vehicles. Passenger cars and pickups should allow additional space when approaching or trailing semi-trucks, as their size and limited maneuverability require more time and distance to stop or turn safely.
Local Accident Reports encourage anyone injured in a collision with a commercial truck in Missouri to seek immediate medical care and explore available recovery resources. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact Local Accident Reports today to learn more about the support and guidance available to help you during the recovery process.
